MINNEAPOLIS — A Twin Cities mother has filed a lawsuit against the Walker Art Center claiming the museum violated her civil rights by denying her access to the museum’s gallery because she was breastfeeding her young child.
Megan Mzenga and her family took a trip to the Walker Art Center on the first Saturday in March.
Her husband and 3-year-old were downstairs doing activities while she and her 8-month-old went into one of the galleries, Megan says.
“My daughter got hungry, and she started rooting,” said Megan. “We were actually in a gallery with two large couches. I decided to sit down on a couch and started nursing her. At that point, a male staff member approached me and said, 'You can't do this here. I'll call an escort to take you to a place where you can do this.'”
Megan said she felt embarrassed but also ashamed.
“I thought I was in the wrong. I thought, ‘Oh yeah. You're right. Why would I do this?’ My immediate mindset went to shame. And I didn't want to make a fuss,” said Megan.
She says she decided to leave the museum. On the way out, she says she asked a staff member what the museum’s breastfeeding policy was.
“He didn't think they had any and gave me a feedback form to fill out,” said Megan.
According to the Walker's website, no food or drink is allowed in the galleries, but their rules also say "Parents are free to nurse children wherever feels most comfortable."
In emailed response, a spokesperson for the Walker said, “We welcome and encourage our visitors to breastfeed wherever they’re most comfortable throughout the building, including the galleries.”
According to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, it's illegal to deny anyone a public accommodation because of their sex.
Megan said she later became mad for not sticking up for herself and her child. She got a lawyer and filed a lawsuit claiming the museum violated her civil rights.
“In Minnesota, the law is clear,” said Abou Amara, an attorney with the firm Gustafson Gluek who represents Megan in the lawsuit. “Women have the right to feed their children in public, and when they can't, they are being discriminated against in violation of Minnesota law.”
The Walker's take on what happened is unclear. They have filed no rebuttal to the claim against them in court. And when we reached out about the lawsuit, a representative said they don't comment on pending litigation.
Megan said her motivation is clear.
“In that moment, I had some dignity taken away from me. As a mom, as a woman, as a nursing mother, I don't want that to happen to any other mother. Babies need to be fed. You can do that freely,” said Megan.
