Sesame Place has announced initiatives to expand its "commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion" following an incident of racial bias at thePhiladelphia-based theme parkthat went viral.
In a press release, Sesame Place confirmed that all current employees will take part in an anti-bias training and education programme by the end of September to "promote inclusion" and "prevent discrimination".
All new staff members will also undergo anti-bias training. Sesame Place said the efforts are being developed and overseen by national experts on diversity, equity and inclusion.
"We are pleased to have this team of well-respected leaders joining us," said Cathy Valeriano, Sesame Place's president.
Anti-bias training and education programme
She revealed the attraction has "already begun engaging with employees, guests, civil rights groups as well as community leaders, and instituted some interim measures at the park while the review proceeds".
The children's theme park in Pennsylvania had already promised to conduct anti-bias training and apologised to the family involved in the incident, in which a costumed performer the park appears to snub two Black children.
"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 added.
"We are committed to making sure our guests feel welcome, included and enriched by their visits to our park."
Sesame Place's initiatives also include a comprehensive racial equity assessment, as well as enhancements to the park's existing diversity, equity and inclusion programmes.
"Experts will remain engaged after the completion of the assessment to monitor our progress toward established goals," Sesame Place said in the press release.
SeaWorld has been Sesame Workshop’sexclusive theme park partnerin the US since the launch of Sesame Place in 1980.
SeaWorld Entertainmenthas reported “strong” financial results for the second quarter and first six months of this year. CEOMarc Swansonalso said the company is moving forward with its hotel plans.
Images: SeaWorld
