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Cleveland Indians will refuse entry to fans in offensive dress

<p>Fan wears the Native American at Cleveland Indians</p>

Fan wears the Native American at Cleveland Indians

Reuters

Cleveland Indians supporters will be barred from wearing traditional Native American styles in the new season, according to a statement from the Major League Baseball team.

The team said: “Inappropriate or offensive images, words, dress or face paint must be covered or removed, and failure to do so may constitute grounds for ejection or refusal of admission,” on Wednesday.

On top of this dress code rule, the team is also searching for a new name following years of campaigns from Native Americans, but plan on using it until a new name is chosen at the end of the 2021 season.

The two-time World Series winners have already dropped their “Chief Wahoo” logo from their uniform.

These new restrictions will begin on their first game of the season, which will be against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, which will be a zero-tolerance policy for anyone dressed “in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions.”

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This decision comes after an awakening of racial inequality in the US, which has manifested in different ways in different industries. Sports has responded in different ways, but stopping using Native Americans as merely a team motif is something that was sparked by the Washington Redskins changing their name after 87 years.

The move was announced last July and was the product of years of campaigning from activists. Until they decide on a new name, they are known as “Washington Football Team” while it develops a new look.

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