Jazz Funeral Social Movement Demonstration

The following event will take place before the Communication Showcase. Those wishing to attend the showcase should look into participating in this event as well. 

Smoke-Free Truman Movement

Stages Jazz Funeral for Tobacco

Sat. April 16

Incremental improvements in the restriction of tobacco continue to take place at Truman State University, but supporters for acompletely smoke-free campus are not satisfied.  Truman’s Board of Governors approved at the Dec. 2010 meeting an amendment to the code of policies that would prohibit smoking within 25 feet of any university building, effective Aug. 1.  A cursory search of tobacco policies on campus reflects a current range of 20 feet to 10 feet away from entrances.  Students for a Smoke-free Truman contend that on snowy days or rainy days, current policies are regularly violated, and they sincerely doubt that adding 5 more feet to an already flawed policy will deter anyone.

“What we need, what we want is a smoke-free campus!  We need to put tobacco 6 feet under!” proclaimed Social Movement professor of Communication, Dr. Barry Poyner.  And that is exactly what organizers plan to do on Sat. April 16.  To demonstrate their discontent with any tobacco anywhere on campus, student organizers have organized a Jazz Funeral.   The Funeral Procession will begin at Barnett Hall with opening remarks at 5:00 p.m.  It will proceed down sidewalks to the Student Union Building where the Hub (Quiet Lounge) has been reserved.  The “death” of old Man Tobacco will be celebrated with jazz music, cake, and punch! Refreshments are courtesy of the National Communication Association Student Club (Communication Club) and Ekklesia (campus ministry for Churches of Christ). Those wishing to participate are encouraged to wear colorful shirts and hats, wave colorful handkerchiefs, and twirl umbrellas.  Participants are encouraged to shout anti-tobacco messages and prepare anti-tobacco signs and to familiarize themselves with songs such as “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “We Shall Overcome.”  In case of rain the entire event will be held in the SUB Hub.

The Jazz funeral is an entertaining warm-up act for the main attraction, The Communication Showcase, held in the SUB from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.   This event, organized by Communication seniors Kelly Fox and Amanda Goeser, showcases the accomplishments of Communication alumni, student media and organizations, and showcases the scholarly inquiry of current students.  Throughout the evening, the public may return to the Hub for refreshments.