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Pool Boots Kids Who Might "Change the Complexion".......Campers sent packing after first visit to swim club
More than 60 campers from Northeast Philadelphia were turned away from a private swim club and left to wonder if their race was the reason. "I heard this lady, she was like, 'Uh, what are all these black kids doing here?' She's like, 'I'm scared they might do something to my child,'" said camper Dymire Baylor.
The Creative Steps Day Camp paid more than $1900 to The Valley Swim Club. The Valley Swim Club is a private club that advertises open membership. But the campers' first visit to the pool suggested otherwise.
"When the minority children got in the pool all of the Caucasian children immediately exited the pool," Horace Gibson, parent of a day camp child, wrote in an email. "The pool attendants came and told the black children that they did not allow minorities in the club and needed the children to leave immediately."
The next day the club told the camp director that the camp's membership was being suspended and their money would be refunded.
"I said, 'The parents don't want the refund. They want a place for their children to swim,'" camp director Aetha Wright said.
Campers remain unsure why they're no longer welcome.
"They just kicked us out. And we were about to go. Had our swim things and everything," said camper Simer Burwell.
The explanation they got was either dishearteningly honest or poorly worded.
"There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club," John Duesler, President of The Valley Swim Club said in a statement.
While the parents await an apology, the camp is scrambling to find a new place for the kids to beat the summer heat.
link
The Creative Steps Day Camp paid more than $1900 to The Valley Swim Club. The Valley Swim Club is a private club that advertises open membership. But the campers' first visit to the pool suggested otherwise.
"When the minority children got in the pool all of the Caucasian children immediately exited the pool," Horace Gibson, parent of a day camp child, wrote in an email. "The pool attendants came and told the black children that they did not allow minorities in the club and needed the children to leave immediately."
The next day the club told the camp director that the camp's membership was being suspended and their money would be refunded.
"I said, 'The parents don't want the refund. They want a place for their children to swim,'" camp director Aetha Wright said.
Campers remain unsure why they're no longer welcome.
"They just kicked us out. And we were about to go. Had our swim things and everything," said camper Simer Burwell.
The explanation they got was either dishearteningly honest or poorly worded.
"There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club," John Duesler, President of The Valley Swim Club said in a statement.
While the parents await an apology, the camp is scrambling to find a new place for the kids to beat the summer heat.
link
7 Comments
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Comment by BEAR da Budha Junkie on July 9, 2009 at 1:33pm - awww...the sweet smell of RACISM!!!
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Comment by Beat Your Ass Anywear on July 9, 2009 at 1:41pm - and of course since this involves young children the racism would continue to thrive. It's taught not something that a person is born with... fkin idiots
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Comment by BEAR da Budha Junkie on July 9, 2009 at 1:52pm
- oh so true...didn't even think about that aspect
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Comment by sincere2k on July 9, 2009 at 2:37pm - I guess in certain parts in AMERIKA the 1960's never left with some retards. Ignorance at an all time high.
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Comment by PoetikkApoztle on July 10, 2009 at 9:25am - Yes Racism at its Best. It doesnt bother me tho!! I pure ignorance!! yet and still they lay in the sun and bask in the glory of a tan...GTFOH
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Comment by PoetikkApoztle on July 10, 2009 at 9:27am
- I would sue!!!! that is Discrimination!!!
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Comment by Peaches on July 15, 2009 at 3:29pm - This is crazy. So very disheartening to hear this....dang....a real shame.
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