The Score: Equality 1; Racism 0

Creative Steps Day Camp Vs. The Valley Swim Club:
State Rules Swim Club's Actions Were Racially Motivated

Breaking News (as reported by NBC-10 yesterday): It has been determined that race was a factor in the banning of 66 minority students from The Valley Swim Club in late June, according to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). The state board ruled late Tuesday that there was probable cause that the private Huntington Valley, PA organization "refused and denied" the campers' ability to use the facilities "due to the child's race."

Creative Steps Day Camp and The Valley Swim Club have been embroiled in a national media and legal battle since racial discrimination allegations were made in early July. The camp paid $1,950 to have campers swim at the 10-acre complex on Mondays through August, but after members complained on the first day, the camp's privileges were revoked and money returned. Several students said they heard members making racial remarks while they were at The Valley Club, which members emphatically denied.

In a 33-page affidavit, the commission details a previously unknown confrontation between a woman who made racial comments about the children and the camp's director. Club member, Michelle Flynn, and Creative Steps Director, Alethea Wright had a heated argument after Flynn asked another club member, "What are all of these black kids doing here? I am scared they might do something to my child and they might steal some of my stuff," according to documents. Flynn and Deborah Mindel, both elementary school teachers, said she knew several of the children from her school and alleged that one had stolen a cell phone before. The PHRC found no evidence that the incident had previously occurred at the school, according to Mildenberg.

Tempers further flared after The Valley Swim President, John Duesler, issued a statement saying, "There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion and the atmosphere of the club." He later apologized for making that statement, saying that he misspoke. The club eventually invited Creative Steps and two other camps back, but the camps declined.

The case was brought before the PHRC after the mother of one child enrolled in the camp filed a class action lawsuit against the suburban swim club. Attorneys Brian and David Mildenberg, who represent four children from the camp, called the ruling a "significant victory."

The PHRC cited the race of The Valley Club's membership and marketing efforts as probable cause for the rulings. In the past two years, the club's 150+ membership was all white, according to committee documents. They also said the club made direct marketing efforts towards white neighborhoods while not targeting other races at all.

Mildenberg said the club's actions caused emotional and psychological damage to the children. He referenced one situation where a 5 year old involved told his mother that he had to "'stay in the bathtub longer so he could get his skin lighter.'"

The ruling recommends a cash settlement of up to $50,000 for the unidentified woman and her child. The attorneys said other hearings will need to be held to determine an exact reward. The Valley Swim Club will also have an opportunity to appeal. Joe Tucker, lawyer for the swim club, said Tuesday night that the decision was wrong and "the media firestorm" surrounding the case gave the state panel no choice but to reach the conclusion it did. Alethea Wright is expected to address the media on behalf of the camp sometime today regarding the commission's rulings.