NW Missouri State backs down on smoking ban

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- Some members of the governing board of Northwest Missouri State University are questioning a campus smoking ban that was to take effect Aug. 1.

A student-led initiative had prompted the Maryville university to announce it would ban smoking on the campus.

But regent Bill Loch said Monday during a board meeting that he was concerned that the board didn't discuss the ban before it was announced. He said he doesn't think the university should put such restrictions on itself, and needed more input on the idea.

The regents voted Monday to have Dr. Jackie Elliott, vice president for student affairs, report back next month with ideas on how to ease in to being a smoke-free campus.