Things that make you go "HMMM"

State to Investigate Racial Discrimination Case at Philadelphia-Area Club Pool - Local News News Articles National News US News - FOXNews.com:

"'Allegedly, this group was denied the use of a pool based on their race,' Glassman said. 'If the allegations prove to be true, this is illegal discrimination in Pennsylvania.'

The club maintains that accusations of racial discrimination are false and claims overcrowding from more than one outside camp was the problem.

The Creative Steps camp in northeast Philadelphia had contracted for the 65 children at the day camp to go each Monday afternoon to The Valley Club in Huntingdon Valley, camp director Alethea Wright said Thursday. But shortly after they arrived June 29, she said, some black and Hispanic children reported hearing racial comments."

Okay I saw Alethea Wright on television this morning with 3 of the kids, and I have to tell you she came across as very credible ... this didn't seem to be a case of 'crying wolf' ... I believe she and the children really do believe they are discriminated against because of race. (I'm trying not to pick sides, but I'm leaning towards the children's side for now)

If it had been an over-crowding issue then they didn't have to kick them out, they could have (and should have somewhere in the emails back/forth) mentioned it to them that there was limited access to the pool section.

If it had been a case of the children misbehaving, not following the pool rules - which is likely in the age range mentioned - then that would be a legitimate reason to end the pool time for the day, but not throw them out ... this woman did not look like one who would have gotten into anyone's face so I can't see that happening.

it is really sad to say ... but as things stand now -- I really feel that the club is going to be in trouble.

Now the question is -- what can be done? They gave ALL the money back ... so the group was 'made whole' as they like to say in the court shows ... they aren't out anything that way ...

maybe they can get the cost of getting the kids there ... but what else? Punitive damages? Now that would be a great case to get in front of Judge Joe Brown - if you haven't seen him, watch him - he would give punitive damages, as much as he possibly could.

I don't think they could get anything in Superior court (case over $5000) ... but if each child filed suit as well as the program (because that's the entity that is really damaged in this case) the club could be hit hard.

$5000 x 65 = $325,000!! Oooooo .... that would hurt ... that would hurt bad