Commission Finds Airline Discriminated against Breastfeeding Mother
March 27, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under activism, breastfeeding, nursing in public, travel
The Vermont Human Rights Commission ruled today that Freedom Airlines discriminated against nursing mother Emily Gillette when a flight attendant asked Gillette to cover up while breastfeeding and had her removed from the flight when she refused to do so. The parties now have a six-month period in which to attempt to negotiate a settlement. If a settlement is not reached, the Commission could file a civil suit against Freedom Airlines. Gillette’s lawyer Beth Boepple has been quoted as saying:
What the Human Rights Commission does with it and how they decide to fashion a remedy once we get past the next stage of the process– which is a six-month period of trying to negotiate a settlement — could in fact be precedent setting.
For more on the story, see this WCAX.com report.
Is she going after “civil” damages? I thought I read once that she was going to donate the funds, if any came about? Or that she just wanted an apology? Sorry… some of the stories run together…
My wife and I just heard about this story and are appalled. We hope she does sue Delta/Freedom and hope the Vermont Human Rights Commission sues for punative damages.
We are Americans living overseas (Middle East). If we couldn’t breastfeed our son, he would certainly starve on our 27 hour long haul flights. Thank god, American Airlines is sensible enough not to throw nursing mothers off their planes!
My wife and I were shocked to hear of this as well. As an american/brasilian couple we talked about the diffrent cultural “norms” of breastfeeding in public, yet I couldn’t think of any situation in which I (american) could defend the airline’s actions. 22 months is less descret than an infant, but… btw, nice to hear that AA is baby supportive. Make sure you carry-on with AA though (don’t check). I’m just saying….
Can she breast feed in public or not? The people took it to a community court, See what they think http://bit.ly/AllRise265