Between drunken students shouting profanities and lactating mothers, which is more offensive at a Badger football game? Arguably the former, yet earlier this fall, some breast-feeding Badger fans got the impression that the latter caused more offense.
One lactating mother was denied access to a first aid station when she requested access to pump her milk. This incident stirred a heated debate over the rights of breast-feeding mothers.
UW Athletic Department Senior Athletic Director Vince Sweeney has denied that the department ever banned breast-feeding and assured that it would provide additional chairs to Camp Randall's family restrooms as well as ""whatever else is needed in the future.""
But for lactating mothers to truly feel welcome on game day, we advise the Athletic Department to take a cue from Miller Park in Milwaukee. This famous stadium offers open acceptance lactating mothers in online information that reads: ""A mother has the right to breast feed her child in any public or private location where the mother and child are authorized to be present."" The statement further offers private accommodations within the stadium—including first aid locations.
Camp Randall should be a friendly place to nurture future Badger supporters, and supporting lactation is just the beginning. Correcting foul language, now that's another issue.
