Etsy no longer accepts Washington Redskins merchandise that contains the NFL team's name or logo on its website. The Washington D.C. team has come under fire from Native American communities and their supporters.
"We at Etsy find the opinion of the minority group itself to carry most weight in determining whether the mascot is disparaging," the company wrote in a blog post. "Therefore, it will no longer be permitted in our marketplace."
Etsy users can continue to sell items that contain Washington's maroon and gold colors or its location name. The company is reaching out to sellers with the prohibited merchandise up for sale.
"We seek to balance two principals that are critically important to us: freedom of speech and protection from discrimination," Etsy wrote. "We want Etsy to be safe, welcoming, and respectful for everyone, including artists, women and minorities."
The e-commerce company's decision comes after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office canceled the team's trademark in June. Native Americans have advocated and litigated against the use of the derogatory "redskins" term and to have the NFL team switch its identity.
Washington owner Daniel Snyder has stated in the past he will never change the team's name. The lifelong Redskins fan believes the name represents honor, respect and pride, he told ESPN's John Barr.
Etsy has a policy not to allow content on its site that "demeans people based upon race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, disability or sexual orientation." The website does still sell merchandise that displays the logos of the Cleveland Indians (MLB), the Atlanta Braves (MLB), the Chicago Blackhawks, and other college teams that use mascots derived from Native Americans.
