Discrimination at amusement parks has become a hot topic
recently after a group of parents announced they are Sesame Place in
Pennsylvania. They have been getting national attention and now a Bridgeport
woman says she and her family were mistreated at Legoland in New York.
Bridgeport mom Breana Ramsey says last month she was at Legoland in New
York when she felt like her daughter and nephew were ignored by costumed
characters.
In video she took during a dance party, she says when she
watched it back it was clear to her that the white children got greeted with
enthusiasm and the children who were not white were overlooked. She says it was
upsetting and hard to explain to the children.
Ramsey says she wants more than an apology, she wants the
employees disciplined and sensitivity training.
"You have a young child getting in a car saying 'Why don't they like me?' I don't care if you are Black, white, anything in between, would you want your kids saying 'Why don't they like me?'" said attorney Darnell Crosland.
A Legoland spokesperson says they have opened an “urgent
investigation.”
In a statement, Legoland said, “Providing a safe, fun environment for children and
their families is our number one priority. As soon as we were made aware of
this incident, we immediately attempted to contact the guest and opened an
urgent investigation. Our company has zero tolerance for any behavior which
doesn’t make our guests feel fully included. We always strive to create an
environment and experience where everyone feels welcome.”
No lawsuit has been filed yet.
Another costumed character incident got national
attention recently. In a video at Sesame Place, it appears a character
dismissed Black children who were looking for a high-five. Sesame Place
responded saying that it was a misunderstanding.