INDIANAPOLIS — The Children's Museum of Indianapolis says that a vendor review oversight is to blame for a Juneteenth watermelon salad that prompted a backlash.
Photos of the salad were posted to social media last week.
The museum issued the following statement early Tuesday:
"As a museum, we are very intentional about the content we develop for our exhibits and experiences and the review process they undergo. Exhibit and experience content is carefully created through the view of the individuals featured and vetted by a broad range of external subject matter experts and those who have a special interest in the exhibit or event. This situation has shown us that we need to expand this process beyond our exhibits and experiences and that we must be inclusive in this work.
"We spent the past week investigating what happened and where we fell short as a museum. Since 2020 we have relied on a vendor to create thematic menu items that extend the museum experience into our Food Court. Unfortunately, the inappropriate name and label given to the menu item was not reviewed by museum staff. Through this, we learned a really hard lesson that oversight must play an important role in every museum relationship.
"Vendors are an integral part of our organization and an extension of the museum. As a result of this situation, we have learned that we need to employ a more robust review process with our vendors."
The full letter can be read here:
"Our plan is to evaluate our processes and develop a strategy to prevent this from happening again. Once we have this revised process in place it will be shared on The Children’s Museum website and expectations will be communicated to current and potential vendors.
The Juneteenth Jamboree is scheduled for June 18 with live performances and showcases.
-
Indiana Fever to kick off preseason with ‘pack the plaza’ diaper donation drive
The Indiana Fever are excited to tip off their preseason this Saturday, but before the game begins, fans are invited to help local families in need through a special diaper and wipes donation drive.
State funded oxygen therapy program for veterans ends April 30
A state program meant to help struggling Indiana veterans will end on April 30, WRTV Investigates has learned.
Hoosiers share potential impact of cutting crisis lines, LGBTQ youth services
A leaked budget draft reportedly revealed plans to get rid of the lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services. The program is funded through the USDHHS and could be on the chopping block in October.
Indiana's First Lady launches partnership for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Indiana's First Lady launched a new fundraising initiative to expand and sustain Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across the state, a news release said.
