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Black Kids Booted From Swim Club Over 'Complexion'

Suburban pool rejects summer campers, cites 'complexion'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2009 12:24 PM CDT

(Newser) – A Philadelphia summer camp says it may take legal action after a suburban swim club rejected its campers, the Inquirer reports. On their first visit to the pool, the children said they’d overheard other poolgoers complaining about black people frequenting the swim club; soon after, management refunded the $1,950 the camp had paid for weekly pool visits over the summer. A statement from the club president cited “concern” over the “complexion” of the club.

“There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion ... and the atmosphere of the club,” said the statement to the local NBC affiliate. A city councilwoman called the situation “outrageous and unfortunately part of what we still confront day in and day out because of folks' lack of understanding."

Parents and a day camp may take legal action against a Philadelphia-area swim club.
Parents and a day camp may take legal action against a Philadelphia-area swim club.   (Shutterstock)
Campers said they heard poolgoers complaining about blacks at the pool.
Campers said they heard poolgoers complaining about blacks at the pool.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 42 comments
Snarfeh
Jul 11, 2009 4:18 AM CDT
They wouldn't kick out poor, white kids because they would feel like they were being charitable for those less fortunate. That's how racists and rebumblicans pretend they have nothing to feel bad about...
Snarfeh
Jul 11, 2009 4:12 AM CDT
^5 to anchower. Btw, I accidentally thumbed you down above on the "blatant" comment... :o( Trying to catch up on my news, etc. and in a hurry, I hit the wrong thumb...oops and sorry!
Fondue
Jul 10, 2009 12:50 PM CDT
Bush didn't need any help.
 

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