#Chiefs ban fans from wearing headdresses, American Indian-themed face paint

The Kansas City Chiefs are banning fans from sporting any sort of cultural misappropriation, including headdresses and American Indian-themed face paint, at future games, the team said in a statement Thursday.

Additionally, the organization claims that it is “engaged in a thorough review process of the Arrowhead Chop and plan to have additional discussions in the future.”

“In 2014, we began a dialogue with a group of local leaders from diverse American Indian backgrounds and experiences,” the statement said. “As an organization, our goal was to gain a better understanding of the issues facing American Indian communities in our region and explore opportunities to both raise awareness of American Indian cultures and celebrate the rich traditions of tribes with a historic connection to the Kansas City area.

“… Our discussions also led us to discourage fans from wearing ceremonial headdresses and American Indian-themed face paint in our stadium. We are grateful to the members of the working group for their counsel and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

The announcement also said the Chiefs have consulted with a national organization that “works closely on issues affecting American Indian people and tribes,” leading them to create new policies going forward.

“Fans will be asked to remove any American Indian-themed face paint prior to passing security screening outside the stadium,” one of the statement’s eight bullet-pointed changes.

“We are grateful for the meaningful conversations we have had with all of these American Indian leaders,” the statement continues. “It is important that we continue the dialogue on these significant topics, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

The move comes in the background of the Washington Football Team dropping its Redskins nickname, which many people deemed offensive and racist. The Cleveland Indians also consulting with Native American groups as the organization considers a name change.