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Dirty Kanza organizers are considering options for a possible name change

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Dirty Kanza organizers posted a statement on social media on Sunday emphasizing the event’s commitment to inclusion and detailing ways in which organizers are working to improve, including the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Council and the possibility of a name change.

The statement came one day after Dirty Kanza parent company Life Time fired Jim Cummins after he described the shooting of Rayshard Brooks as “justified” in a post on Facebook.

“As most of you know by now, we made the difficult decision yesterday to mutually part ways with the founder of Dirty Kanza,” organizers wrote in their statement on Sunday. “On behalf of all of us and our organization, we are truly sorry for the hurt and emotional distress the events of the last few days have caused.”

According to the statement, “As an initial step, in the last few weeks, Life Time has launched a Diversity and Inclusion Council. This council will allow us to act and put intentional focus on changes we need to make internally so our company, clubs and events are a place for everyone.”

Additionally, organizers addressed the subject of the Dirty Kanza name and the possibility that it could be changed in the future.

Earlier this year, Cyclista Zine started a petition calling for the race to change its name, with the petition describing Dirty Kanza as a slur, as Kanza is a name for the Kaw Nation and its people. At the time, Cummins met with Kaw Nation representatives, and then the race published a statement in conjunction with the Kaw Nation saying that the name would remain the same.

In Sunday’s social media post, race organizers said that they have been “have been working throughout this year on options for a name change.”

“Our event name wasn’t created with ill-intent, and while we have worked with and received support from the Kaw Nation, we also understand that our name should not cause hurt,” read the statement.

While they did not provide concrete details on a timeline or further explanation of what would ultimately come of those discussions, organizers committed to “share progress as we work through this process.”

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As most of you know by now, we made the difficult decision yesterday to mutually part ways with the founder of Dirty Kanza. On behalf of all of us and our organization, we are truly sorry for the hurt and emotional distress the events of the last few days have caused. Our cycling community is very diverse, and it’s one of the key factors that make us so unique and strong. At the same time, we stand by our decision as a company and by our vision and values that aim to ensure that everyone is accepted and supported. Those visions and values do not have a place for racism, prejudice or discrimination. We are committed to taking action to ensure these values are upheld and continue to be centered in our work both as a brand and as an event. Most of all, we are committed to listening, learning and continuing to grow. As an initial step, in the last few weeks, Life Time has launched a Diversity and Inclusion Council. This council will allow us to act and put intentional focus on changes we need to make internally so our company, clubs and events are a place for everyone. In addition, we have been working throughout this year on options for a name change. Our event name wasn’t created with ill-intent, and while we have worked with and received support from the Kaw Nation, we also understand that our name should not cause hurt. This process does take time, and we want to make this change in the correct manner. Please know that we will share progress as we work through this process. Actions speak louder than words, and we are committed to putting in the continual work to establish long-term, sustainable changes. As a leader in gravel cycling, we are also committed to being a leader in diversity within the cycling community. We acknowledge we have work to do in this regard. We are open to hearing your ideas and encourage you to share them with us. Change is never easy but it is necessary as we continue to grow and spread the joys of gravel with an even broader community. As the community of gravel grows more inclusive and diverse, it will become even more remarkable. With respect & gratitude from your DK / Life Time Team, LeLan, Kristi, Michelle, Treva and Kimo

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