Sesame Place Must Defend Families’ Racial Discrimination Claims

Sesame Place, a Sesame Street-themed amusement park owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Inc. failed to shake off racial discrimination claims by several Black and Hispanic families.

The allegations of five families that their children were spurned by costumed characters at the park are sufficient to survive summary judgment on their claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1981, Judge Wendy Beetlestone of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled Wednesday.

The families, who visited the park in 2021 and 2022, allege that character performers refused to interact with their kids during parades and meet-and-greets but chose to ...