Cigars Not Appropriate For First-Year Formal

To the editors:

Though I enjoyed last night's first-year formal, I have one concern about the event--the distribution of cigars at its end.

First, this is of uncertain legality, as not all first-years are 18 or over.

Second, cigars, like other tobacco products, are known carcinogens. The Undergraduate Council used student funds to promote this unhealthy practice. A body representing the concerns of the students should not use their money to give them things which cause harm.

Third, the cigar smoke created an unhealthy atmosphere at the end of the event, making it difficult for people to breathe.

I hope that at future events the Undergraduate Council will not advocate the use of tobacco products. BRIAN O'MEARA '01   Feb. 22, 1998