By Kimiko L. Martinez
Assistant News Editor
After determining that Michael Kotutwa Johnson’s sage burning practices were not a safety concern, the Residential Life Office has decided to let the Public Policy student continue his faith exercises with minor restrictions.
After an “observation” last month, RLO determined the sage is lit for only a short period of time, not causing the smoke detectors to go off and that the smoke detectors are in his unit are indeed in working order. Because it does not pose a safety hazard, Johnson will be allowed to continue burning sage as long as his window is shut, or at least not open too wide, to respect his upstairs neighbors.
“It was determined that the manner in which Michael is burning the sage is not a fire safety concern for the university at this time,” said Jim Brock, RLO director and associate dean of students.
According to Johnson, a Hopi Native American, although the resolution mandates that his window be at least mostly closed, it also allows him to continue his religious rituals without time restraints.
“I can live with that,” Johnson said. “I’m happy with (the decision), but I want to make sure that the university will follow up and make a policy dealing with this so no one else will have to go through this again.”
At press time, RLO could not be reached to comment on the status of developing such a policy.
“The goal of RLO (and Pepperdine) is for Michael to be able to continue his practice of burning sage, and at the same time be respectful of the residents who live near him,” Brock said. “To that end, Michael has been very cooperative. RLO is hopeful that nearby neighbors of Michael have had their needs met as well.”
According to RLO, accommodations for Johnson’s neighbors included ionic breeze machines to filter the air.
The upstairs neighbors most affected by Johnson’s practices, declined to comment.
Johnson’s practice of burning sage as a part of his daily religious practices has been under review since November and his involved administrators from RLO, Public Safety, the school of Public Policy and Seaver College.
March 21, 2002