The number of places smokers can go on campus is shrinking.

The Residence Halls Association, or RHA, passed a bill last week recommending that University Housing take away a student's option to smoke in the dorms.

Smoking already has been banned in all university buildings and public areas, except in dorm rooms. The only residence halls that are entirely nonsmoking are Emmons, Armstrong and Gilchrist halls.

But the recommendation in the RHA bill might lead to the removal of that option from all residence halls by fall 2007. If the bill passes with University Housing, students will not be able to smoke in dorm rooms, hallways or lounges.

It's understandable that some students could be irritated by their fellow residents smoking if they are in a situation where they can't easily escape it. Especially if those students have respiratory problems such as asthma, and the smoke could potentially be fatal to them.

RHA definitely has reasons for creating a bill that many non-smoking students would support.

But what it all comes down to is one group trying to gain control over another group's behavior.

Yes, it is offensive to some, and it can create a health risk for others. But it's legislating against something that's not illegal and removing a student's ability to engage in their habit within the privacy of their own room.

If RHA puts a ban on smoking does it mean there also should be a ban against students wearing strong perfume or cologne in the dorms because it can be offensive and aggravate asthma?

Probably not.

Most residence halls offer students the option of smoking in their rooms, so clearly there is a demand for it.

There also are halls which have been designated as entirely nonsmoking and most halls offer some nonsmoking floors. So those who are irritated by it do have some options for living free of smoke.

But the options for smokers are rapidly decreasing.