The San Francisco Giants have changed the team's ballpark code of conduct to prohibit culturally insensitive attire and behavior. The move comes after a June incident in which a fan wore an Indian war bonnet to Native American Heritage Night at AT&T Park.
A handful of Native Americans at the June 23 game confronted the bonnet-wearing fan, and one of them took the headgear away. Security guards intervened, and two of the Native Americans were handcuffed and detained by police, then released.
The Giants announced last week they had met with the people involved in the episode and "engaged in a very productive dialogue about how we can learn from the incident and move forward in a meaningful and productive way. This includes redoubling our efforts to educate and raise awareness with our staff and fans about culturally appropriate behavior and attire."
The team's revised conduct rules for fans now say:
The Giants are proud of the rich diversity of our fan base who cheer us on at AT&T Park. It is in this spirit that we urge all fans to be mindful and respectful of each other. Any fan wearing culturally insensitive attire, using obscene or abusive language, engaging in antisocial conduct offensive to those around them or displaying any other offensive behavior is subject to removal from the ballpark. If you observe a fan acting in this manner, please contact Giants security by texting the word "FOUL" to 69050, followed by your message. Please do not take the matter into your own hands.
Giants spokeswoman Staci Slaughter said the new language is an attempt to respond to a changing fan population.