Breastfeeding mom claims discrimination at Bard on the Beach
Bard on the Beach is being accused of discrimination after a breastfeeding mother said she had been barred from attending a Saturday matinee performance of As You Like It.
In an email to the Straight, Leanne Scorah, a doula, said she had been denied entry to the play by the house manager because she was wearing her eight-week-old infant son in a sling.
“We were told we were not permitted to enter because our breastfeeding newborn...might make a noise,” said Scorah. “We told them that just like anyone who had a cough, we were respectful and capable of moving outside if we anticipated a noise.… We explained that our breastfeeding infant needs to be with its mother to stay alive, much like a person with special needs may need an oxygen ventilator, or insulin machine, or wheelchair.”
Scorah said she was told that all families with children under seven years old are “denied entry.”
“We strongly feel that this is a violation of human rights and discrimination against breastfeeding mothers, and possibly others,” said Scorah.
The Straight has requested an interview with both Scorah and a representative from Bard on the Beach.
Bard's ticketing web page clearly states: "In consideration of the actors and other patrons, infants and children under the age of 6 will not be admitted."
What do you think? Was Bard on the Beach right to prevent an infant from attending a performance? Lord knows we’ve all had the experience of being disturbed by unruly kids during a show. But given that there are those rare infants who will sleep or suckle quietly through just about anything, does it make sense for a performing arts organization to have a blanket policy barring babies?
Comments
45 Comments
SHELLY NORTON
Aug 22, 2011 at 2:40pm
Our whole family has been attending live art performances from the time my children were infants. We endeavored to build an appreciation for the arts from an early age. I believe it is discriminatory to ban any one at any age. I have actually reprimanded more adults for making noise during performances than I have my own children. We taught them to sit respectfully and show due respect to the performers. I am appaulled that this mother, with her infant in tow was not given the respect she deserved. I am sure if her baby became unduly noisy, she would have excused herself from the performance. Bard owes this family an apology.
Theatre lover
Aug 22, 2011 at 2:44pm
I don't think this was a case of discrimination against breastfeeding, but more of an upholding of policy. I am a huge fan of the theatre and believe children should be exposed to the arts at a young age. Saying this, there are parents out there who wouldn't be as accommodating as this mother states she would be if the baby started to fuss, but the other patrons (and the actors) would be disturbed when the baby started to fuss which is what they were trying to avoid.
Sometimes you have to compromise on the things you love to do when you have children...maybe next year she can pump and leave the child with a sitter and have a lovely night out with friends and loved ones.
alix
Aug 22, 2011 at 2:44pm
The theatre's policy is perfectly reasonable. Young children and babies tend to be noisy and disruptive when they get restless or bored. Babies cry. That's just what kids do. But it's disrespectful to both the actors and the rest of the paying audience to make them put up with it, especially when the kids don't even appreciate the show and are there because their selfish parents didn't want to spring for a babysitter. And this doula lady sounds like an insufferable twat. Comparing her situation to a person in a wheelchair...please, get over yourself.
Lorien
Aug 22, 2011 at 2:48pm
One of the joys of a nursing infant is that they are so portable and, generally, quiet. Why not trust the mamas to know their babies and be respectful of the performance as well as doing their mama duty? Or have a few performances which are specifically child friendly?
One of the things we have to remember is that love of art/music/theatre does not magically begin when a child is old enough to keep quiet. In fact, by that time, they probably want nothing to do with what their parents enjoy. In order to foster a sense of love of the arts for future generations, we need to make it accessible to those future generations while they are young enough to feel that sense of wonder. Historically, threatre and music would have not been encased in the bubble we now place it. Audiences were raucous and would have included all ages!
so entitled
Aug 22, 2011 at 2:50pm
Dear parents: The world does not revolve around you and your child. You are not entitled to bring your kid everywhere you go, especially if the policy is clearly stated by the venue. Hire a babysitter.
blahblah
Aug 22, 2011 at 3:04pm
I'm not sure who's the bigger baby, the infant or Leanne.
Danielle
Aug 22, 2011 at 3:10pm
Welcome to parent hood where sacrifices are made. A baby NEEDS to be fed. You do not NEED to go to a play. Get over yourself.
Steffani Cameron
Aug 22, 2011 at 3:24pm
THE SITE SAYS NO KIDS UNDER 7.
It's Shakespeare, for crying out loud, not RAFFI.
Parents are always saying what a gift children are. Great! Enjoy them! We're just saying take them to a MOVIE, not a live theatre production where acute concentration is needed, and where people are paying $40+ a ticket.
It ain't about breastfeeding. I don't care about breastfeeding.
But I sure as hell don't want crying babies, irritated toddlers, or bored first-graders in the audience when I'm trying to watch Othello or something.
Get a babysitter and suck it the hell up, like most attendees would prefer you do.
As for Miss Whiny McButMyKidIsDifferent there, get over it.
I'd be PISSED OFF if she'd gotten seated next to me, and I'd have complained. Way to go, Bard, for sticking to your very understandable guns.
kitts
Aug 22, 2011 at 3:33pm
The articles about this woman and her "plight" are pathetic. The baby doesn't need to be with her 24/7 to stay alive. AND she was not refused entry, the baby was. Is she fighting for the baby's rights to see Shakespeare?
She wrote a letter to the media because she wanted attention... She's already taken the baby to two other live performance places. I suspect she was going to go to as many as needed to find the fight for which she was searching.
Jen
Aug 22, 2011 at 3:41pm
I'm a breastfeeding mom myself, and have appreciated exercising my constitutional right to conveniently feed my kid anywhere he's been welcome. Key here is "anywhere he's been welcome." It's perfectly reasonable for Bard to have a no kids policy. This city is so rich in theatrical and performance experiences that this woman could bring her child to, why she insists on trying to crash a venue where a long-standing policy is in place shows only her selfishness and inconsideration for her fellow theater-goers as well as the performers. Sure, she could leave if her baby wakes up and is noisy, but getting up to leave is equally disruptive.
Also, shame on her for calling this breastfeeding discrimination. She is certainly welcome to breastfeed her child anywhere her child is welcome. Would she call it discrimination if her child were denied entry to a 19+ bar because she needs to breastfeed and also wants to see the hottest new cover band at the Roxy?
Get over yourself, Ms. Scorah, and perhaps in that spare time you found where you won't be attending Bard performances, focus on teaching your child and yourself some awareness and consideration of the rest of the people you share the world with.