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Sesame Place announces diversity plan after incident of racial bias

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All employees will take part in anti-bias training by the end of September

Sesame Place has announced initiatives to expand its “commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion” following an incident of racial bias at the Philadelphia-based theme park that 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.” 

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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’s exclusive theme park partner in the US since the launch of Sesame Place in 1980. 

SeaWorld Entertainment has reported “strong” financial results for the second quarter and first six months of this year. CEO Marc Swanson also said the company is moving forward with its hotel plans.

Images: SeaWorld

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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