419.1 AP: Smudging

Adopted: June 26, 2023

I. PURPOSE

It is the purpose of this policy to clarify the Board of Education’s position with respect to smudging.

II. STATEMENT OF POLICY

1. Robbinsdale Area Schools (Independent School District 281) is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating an open and respectful educational environment for all. The School District recognizes tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar as traditional American Indian medicines and essential elements of purification and sacred ceremony.
2. Students and staff may use tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar to conduct individual or group smudging.
3. The processes under which smudging is conducted will be determined at the building level by the building or site administrator, in collaboration with the Director of Achievement and Integration or their designee in the American Indian Education Department. In all situations, smudging must be conducted under the direct supervision of an appropriate School District staff member, as determined by the building or site administrator in consultation with the Director of Achievement and Integration or their designee in the American Indian Education Department.
4. Smudging shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, Minnesota Statutes Section 144.411 to 144.417.

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Legal References:

• Minn. Stat. § 144.413 (Definitions)
• Minn. Stat. § 144.4165 (Tobacco Products Prohibited in Public Schools) 
• Minn. Stat. § 144.4167 (Permitted Smoking) 
• 42 U.S. C. § 1996 (American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978)