Sesame Place announces diversity training for employees after accusations of racism

Children’s theme park Sesame Place has announced new diversity training for employees.

This comes after a Maryland family filed a $25 million federal civil rights lawsuit against Sesame Place, accusing them of racial discrimination after a video went viral reportedly showing someone dressed as the character Rosita denying two Black girls a hug in the middle of a parade.

The lawsuit alleges that the “Sesame Street” characters ignored black patrons while “while openly interacting with similarly situated White children,” People reports.

The Philadelphia based theme park, which is based on the children’s show Sesame Street, said it has sought the help of experts from across the US to conduct a “comprehensive racial equity assessment, the development and implementation of an anti-bias training and education program, and enhancements to ensure a best-in-class diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Sesame Place’s investigation will include a “racial equity assessment” which will “review policies, processes and practices that impact guests, employees, suppliers and the community to identify opportunities for improvement.”

Sesame Place park employees will also take part in a “substantive training and education program” on diversity and inclusion by the end of September. New employees will also be required to undergo this training.

Cathy Valeriano, who is President of Sesame Place Philadelphia, stated the company have already put in place “some interim measures at the park” amid their review.

“The actions we are taking will help us deliver on our promise to provide an equitable and inclusive experience for all our guests every day,” Valeriano said. “We are committed to making sure our guests feel welcome, included and enriched by their visits to our park.”