In a previous article, “Swim Club Suspends Kids Who Would “Change the Complexion”, I wrote about how wrong I was in assuming racism was no longer a concern. Fortunately for my positive outlook on life, when life hands someone an incredibly bitter lemon, someone has enough sugar and water to turn it into lemonade.
After the 65 campers were banned from the The Valley Swim Club, due to fear of “changing the complexion”, The Girard College, a private Philadelphia boarding school hosting 500 campers of its own, offered their pool for use.
Director of Admissions Tamara Leclair stated, “We had to help. Every child deserves an incredible summer camp experience.
Something the private swim club seems to have forgotten.
Not only did they snub fellow human beings, these were children, who simply wanted to enjoy their summer experience.
Girard College has long since promoted education for students who are academically capable. Students come from single parent, or guardian homes, with limited resources and are offered a full scholarship for grades 1-12.
The school consists of a 43 acre property, with a strong academic, program for students to live and study. The also offer a range of Fine Arts and Athletic programs, for a well rounded curriculum and experience.
The school is mainly funded by the Stephen Girard College Development Fund. In case you are interested, they also accept tax deductible donations.
While the details are still being ironed out, camp director Alethea Wright expressed her enthusiasm for the plan.
Luckily, on the day arranged for swimming, the school already had a pool vacancy.
People are (for the most part) outraged over the allegations of such out right racism.
Sen. Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania has announced an investigation into these claims.
“The allegations against the swim club as they are reported are extremely disturbing. I am reaching out to the parties involved to ascertain the facts. Racial discrimination has no place in America today.”
I’ll keep you updated.
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Campers-Complexion-No-Problem-for-New-Pool.html?corder=&pg;=4#comments
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/topics/?topic=Arlen+Specter
