Give Every Bulldog a Choice: Create Smoke-Free Wellness Housing at SCSU
Give Every Bulldog a Choice: Create Smoke-Free Wellness Housing at SCSU
A campaign led by Clean Air Living Space a Student, Parent, Alumni, and Supporter Initiative for Healthier Living and Stronger Student Success
We respectfully call on the South Carolina State University Board of Trustees, President Conyers, Dr. Jeffries, and university leadership to create a Smoke-Free, Substance-Free Wellness Housing option for students beginning no later than Spring 2027.
This is not a call for more restrictions. It is a call for more student choice.
Many students want a living environment free from marijuana smoke, vaping, and other substance use. While SCSU has made tremendous strides in its ongoing renaissance, providing a wellness housing option is a practical next step that supports student well-being, academic success, and family confidence while requiring little to no additional cost.
Why Students Want Wellness Housing
Students choose smoke-free, substance-free housing for many different reasons, including:
1. Religious Beliefs
Many students' faith traditions encourage or require avoiding substances and environments where substance use is present. These students deserve a housing option that aligns with their values and allows them to live comfortably according to their beliefs.
2. Personal Preference
Some students simply prefer a clean, quiet, and substance-free environment. They should be able to focus on academics, rest, leadership activities, and campus involvement without unwanted exposure to smoke or vaping in their living space.
3. Health Reasons
Students with asthma, allergies, respiratory conditions, migraines, chemical sensitivities, or other health concerns can be adversely affected by secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure. No student should have to purchase air purifiers, block vents, or leave their room just to breathe comfortably.
Why This Matters to SCSU
A Smoke-Free, Substance-Free Wellness Housing option advances the university's mission and supports measurable student success outcomes.
Increased Retention
Students who feel comfortable, supported, and satisfied with their living environment are more likely to remain enrolled and continue their education at SCSU.
Increased GPA
A healthier, quieter environment can help students focus on studying, maintain better sleep habits, and develop routines that support academic achievement.
Increased Graduation Rates
When students remain enrolled and perform better academically, they are more likely to progress toward graduation and become successful Bulldog alumni.
A Simple, Low-Cost Solution
We are not asking the university to build new residence halls or create expensive programs.
We are simply asking SCSU to designate selected areas within Hugine Suites or other residence halls as Smoke-Free, Substance-Free Wellness Housing, allowing interested students to voluntarily choose this living option.
At the same time, we ask the university to:
- Ensure students who select wellness housing are housed with roommates who share those expectations.
- Enforce existing housing and conduct policies consistently and fairly.
- Provide students with a clear process for reporting concerns and receiving timely responses.
Moving Forward Together
This effort is not about division. It is about partnership.
We believe students, parents, alumni, university administrators, and the Board of Trustees share the same goals: healthier students, stronger academic outcomes, higher retention, higher graduation rates, and a more positive residential experience.
By offering a voluntary Smoke-Free, Substance-Free Wellness Housing option, SCSU can demonstrate its commitment to student choice, student success, and quality of life while strengthening the university's reputation among current and future Bulldogs.
We respectfully ask the Board of Trustees and university leadership to work with students and families to implement Wellness Housing by Spring 2027.
If you support giving students the choice of a clean-air, smoke-free living environment, please sign and share this petition.
Together, we can ensure every Bulldog has the opportunity to live, learn, and thrive in a healthy residential community.
Sign today. Speak up. Protect clean air.
Letter Campaign by
Supporters of Nonsmokers at SCSU