Purpose and Rationale
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the burning of ceremonial cultural material offerings is done in the safest possible manner, with little or no impact to other building occupants and in compliance with applicable policies and standards. This policy does not supersede MIT’s marijuana policy.
Definitions
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology recognizes that many cultures have time-honored traditions and ceremonies involving the burning of herbs and botanicals, incense, and/or other material offerings. An example of this are Native American cultural, spiritual, and religious practices of smudging and pipe ceremonies wherein a small amount of sage, cedar, and/or sweet grass are burned as offerings and/or elements of purification and sacred ceremony. In support of the cultural and spiritual integrity of these traditions, the university has designated procedures on campus for burning ceremonial cultural material offerings in the MIT Indigenous Peoples’ Center [IPC] associated with rituals consistent with traditional ceremonies and cultural observances.
Scope
This policy applies to all members of the campus community including students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Failure to Follow Procedure
Failure to comply with these procedures may result in the activation of the fire alarm system with subsequent evacuation of the building as well as other possible health and safety risks to the university community. Repeated failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action.
Approval Process for Smudging
- MIT faculty, staff, students, and affiliates wishing to smudge in the IPC should first contact an Executive Board member of the Native American & Indigenous Association, NAIA (naia-exec@mit.edu) or the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, AISES (aises-exec@mit.edu) to ensure that their intended use fits with the culture and schedule of the space.
- The student leader may then choose to share the link to a short online training and survey quiz based on this policy.
- When the individual has completed the survey, the result will be forwarded to staff members of Intercultural Engagement (mitixe@mit.edu) and ORSEL (askachaplain@mit.edu). These offices will share responsibility for letting individuals know that they are approved to smudge under this policy.
This exemption applies in all Campus Activities Complex (CAC) spaces, and ORSEL encourages other MIT space managers to offer the same consideration to ORSEL-affiliated groups.
Key Contacts
MIT Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life (askachaplain@mit.edu)
MIT Intercultural Engagement (mitixe@mit.edu)
MIT Environment, Health, and Safety Office (environment@mit.edu)
MIT Native American & Indigenous Association (naia-exec@mit.edu)