San Juan College is working to implement a policy on smudging for the new academic year.

The college is considered a tobacco-free campus but gifts tobacco to guests under board policy 903, which exempts the practice through the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, said Boomer Appleman, vice president of student services.

Smudging refers to the cultural practice of cleansing a space through the lighting of a certain herb.

It is not done on campus grounds because of health and safety issues involving an open flame and the possibility of setting off smoke alarms, Appleman said.

“But those that are familiar with the practice know it's not a flame,” he said.

The discussion about smudging protocol has included a possible scenario that would include involving a former Native American Center director. Another point of focus has been on campus housing.

Before Nizhoni Sunrise Suites opened, the discussion gained new momentum.

Brandon Ashely, Native American Center director, is working on a protocol for smudging that considers health and safety, risk management and the department of public safety.

Ashely also has looked at North and South Dakota academic institutions and their protocol for such practices, Appleman said.

Ashley also approached the Associated Students of San Juan College for student input, said Amanda Robles, director of student engagement and campus life.

Camden Ramsey, interim president of Associated Students, said his role in the smudging protocol has been taking the student voices to the board.

At the Feb. 6 board meeting, Ramsey included the protocol in his report.

The Student Organization Leadership Council Meeting is a space that brings issues like the smudging protocol to representatives of the student body, bringing in a student perspective, Robles said.

Those representatives include leadership from the 25 student organizations at San Juan College.

Appleman said students should be able to express themselves and their belief systems.

“Sometimes our job is to inform students of their rights and not wait for students to say ‘Well, I have a right’,” he said.