Pool Boots Kids Who Might "Change the Complexion"

Philadelphia NBC ^ | 7/8/09 | Karan Araiza

[thefactor]

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.

Kids at Creative Steps Day Camp were thrilled to go swimming once a week at the Valley Swim Club. But after only one trip to the private club, they were... "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."

[thefactor]

"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.

wow.

[a fool in paradise]

Is this in Southern Pennsylvania?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

There is no racism in the Northeast.

They are enlightened there, unlike the rednecks in places like Mississippi and Alabama.

[Loyal Buckeye]

I suspect there is more to the story.

[Recon Dad]

I'm betting it being Philly a majority of the members voted for Zero.

[Onelifetogive]

"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 soon-to-be-national-pariah, said in a statement.

[Dan Middleton]

You have GOT to be kidding me.

"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."

NOBODY can be this stupid.

[Perdogg]

[Constitution Day]

There is no racism in the Northeast.

They are enlightened there, unlike the rednecks in places like Mississippi and Alabama.

BTTT

[thefactor]

nope. northeast of Philly.

[thefactor]

i’m sure there is, but it just reminded me of the scene from Caddy Shack when the caddies got to swim from 1pm-1:15pm.

[cripplecreek]

Creative Steps Day Camp doesn’t sound like the most conservative place.

[End Times Sentinel]

I suspect there is more to the story.

I concur.

When something seems unbelievable, I tend not to believe it.

[agrarianlady]

I don’t know how big the pool is, but 60 campers is a lot to add all at once.

I wonder if it was too crowded at that point.

[Jubal Madison]

“I suspect there is more to the story.”

As do I. It may be more about behavior than race. My wife and I installed our own pool because going to the town pool was a nightmare. Foul mouthed children, rude and boorish behavior - no thanks. I didn’t want my kids around that crap.-—JM

[OB1kNOb]

There is no racism in the Northeast. They are enlightened there, unlike the rednecks in places like Mississippi and Alabama.

Four years ago on a vacation trip via Amtrak to New York, I saw as many rebel flags flying in yards and in windows of homes in Ohio and Pennsylvania, than I saw at home. ;-)

[Curious George1978]

ALERT: Obama PROPAGANDA machine @ work AGAIN!

As the Obama White House posse realizes the black voters have quit drinking the Cool-Aid fear set in. Axeldolf to MSM...start up the racism propaganda... again.

[bert]

It is not racism. The problem is the kids are from the city. The city is crime laden and the kids have no respect for any thing.

[TheClintons-STILLAnti-American]

"When the minority children got in the pool all of the Caucasian children immediately exited the pool,"

The minority children's counselor was then heard to say loudly, "This be our pool now!"

[skeeter]

This is the last type of story for which I would take the media at their word.