Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

I had made plans for my family, including my three children to attend the Cashore Marionette show at the Quick Center at Fairfield University Sunday at 1 p.m. with a group of other families. I've come to find out that they do not allow people less than two years of age to attend because they've had too many disruptions. This means that my family cannot attend the show together because our youngest family member is seven months old.

The show we wish to attend is a children's show taking place in the middle of the day. I've been to other theaters where the policy is that unruly people are asked to leave the auditorium if the need arises, and are reminded by those that work at the theater if they don't do it on their own.

Isn't it considered discrimination to say that people of a certain age are not allowed to attend something at a University? The Box Office Manager also told me that it is a fire hazard to have children on the laps of parents. I can't imagine that when a 3-year-old wants to sit on a parent's lap they are told that it is a fire hazard. It's not a hazard in any other venue or public place that I know of.

The Quick Center Web site states, "…It is situated in a continuously growing community that serves a large and ethnically diverse population, an ideal environment where the Center can grow while meeting the needs of the surrounding community… Events include popular and classical music, dance, theatre, special events, and programs for young audiences."

I find this a misleading, as in actuality it serves all but those with families that include young children. I'd imagine that is a large population of the community.

Perhaps I am incorrect to assume that the events taking place at the Quick Center are considered University-administered programs because it clearly states on the website that Fairfield University, "…does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, or handicap in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, or other University-administered programs."

I am greatly disappointed to learn that my youngest child has been discriminated against due to his young age and that the actions of other people have negatively affected my families' ability to attend together a children's show at The Quick Center for the Arts.
I hope other families with young children will take this into consideration when choosing a venue to support.

Sincerely,       
S. Niles