Valley Swim Club-Huntingdon Valley: Are Racism Allegations Fair?

Nothing that occurs in America's "private clubs" is surprising. Some of the most despicable/racist/anti-social Americans comprise the membership roles of "private clubs". Indeed, they gravitate towards those clubs because they have a compelling and pathological need  to be with their "own kind" and feel superior.  But even at that, they can't  get along with their "own kind". Many Americans  need to get it in their heads that their you-know-what stinks just like everybody else's does.  I'm a middle-aged white guy, born and bred in America,  and I witness people looking down their noses at others everyday--including myself at times. The condescencion may be subtle for the most part, however it exists all the same. Whatever occurred at the Valley Hills Swim Club, helps to shed light on why many people, throughout the world, hold Americans in contempt. Quite frankly, there's alot of ignorant white trash inhabiting America, today, that possess relatively high levels of disposable income. As a result, they  manage to put on airs and fool people into believing that they're superior to others.

I guess in Canada an accusation equates to proof. I like how an anti-American bigot like Tina reaches conclusions based on nothing other than far fetched accusations from children conditioned from birth to see racism everywhere.

I assume in Canada there is no presumption of innocence. Tina I hope that somone close to you,  one of your children if possible, gets falsely accused of racism and has their life imperiled because of it, then maybe you will understand what it's like to be falsely accused and thought the worst of with no evidence.

You should rent the 1960 film 'The Children's Hour' with Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine. It's fictional, but it shows the devastating effects of being falsely accused of misconduct based on a child's false word, and other adults taking that word at face value.

Maybe this happened, perhaps it did not. The truth will come to light soon enough. In any case, you are an intolerant, self righteous person yourself. I don't say that to insult you, I sincerely encourage you to look at yourself. Your attitude is the same attitude that allowed witch trials and racism itself.

Why don't you wait till we know all the facts before you start declaring people you don't know guilty, based on a situation you know almost nothing about??

It is amazing that the national press has jumped on this issue and has already slapped a “racist” label on the Valley Club, its members and its president without affording Mr. Duesler an equal opportunity to present his or the club’s point of view. This is an shameful smear campaign. If Mr. Duesler would not be afraid to tell it like it it is, this is what you would hear: The Valley Club has rules that were created by its board to maintain the safety of all of its members, including no horseplay and no running in the pool area. Did Mr. Duesler review the rules of the club with Ms. Wright? Should the children be allowed to break all of the club rules, endangering themselves and others while the lifeguards and club members stand idly by afraid to say ANYTHING for fear of being slapped with the “racist” label? Ms. Wright should been more in control of her campers and should have gone over the club rules with them in addition to teaching them the proper way to behave in a public place. She is doing a tremendous diservice to her campers by allowing them to play by a different set of rules and setting up low expectations for their behavior because they are “underpriveleged,” black and hispanic. I don’t know if whether or not the boy who claims to have heard racist comments at the club is telling the truth, but he needs to be taught that it is a very serious offense which he is accusing someone of and that it will have legal ramifications. It is not ok to throw around the word racist because you don’t having to follow the rules that the rest of the world must live by. Teaching young, black “underprivileged” children to use their color to get their way is very dangerous indeed. The sensasionalization of this story will do nothing to help race relations in any way and will only serve to intensify the mistrust between blacks and whites in the community and nationwide. Having been “victim” of reverse racism, I would also like to ask, why is it that nobody came to my defense and why did my story not make national news when I, as a teacher, was repeatedly taunted and called “white-bread bitch” by black students who simply hated me for being white? I said and did nothing racist to them and in fact wanted nothing but to help them succeed in life. Where was the press? Why did the suburband school district, want to handle it in a hush hush way even after the students admitted to it? Why didn’t anybody care that it was reverse-racism and racial intimidation? I still don’t hate black people, but I am more sensitive to reverse discrimination because it’s real- it really happened to me and it’s happening to Mr. Duesler. This man has a family and friends and he’s being smeared. He needs to get a lawyer for himself and his club asap if he doesn’t already have one. By the way, I am from Huntingdon Valley- grew up there and was schooled in the public school system there. If anything, we were taught about the monstrosities of slavery and Jim Crow, the civil rights movement and were indoctrinated with very very liberal ideas by very very liberal teachers. I still keep in touch with former classmates and ALL of them voted for Obama and don’t have a racist bone in their bodies. Many of them work for social services helping the underprivileged or work in inner city schools. So please don’t tell me that all poeple in HV are racists. That’s ridiculous.

I typically don't jump on the 'race card' factor easily myself (I am black).  I so really want to believe that overcrowding was the issue here.  Maybe someone could help me.  Why did the president make the 'complexion' and 'change of atmosphere' remarks rather than say 'overcrowding' as the reason for the camp's dismissal from the club in his initial reaction to the racial discrimination charges?  If overcrowding was truly the issue, why did VSC not come up with an alternate plan for the club to accomodate the children, maybe a non-peak time on a different day?  And why the abruptness of the refund and demand that Creative Steps not come back?  After all, VSC invited Creative Steps to swim for the summer. 

Ms. Wright further stated on Fox News that she had attended another function recently at VSC where 57 children were in the pool.  Things that make you go hmmm. 

To ValleyGirl, just to correct your post, several members of VSC of were at the pool on the day in question stated that the Creative Steps Camp children were well-behaved and polite, NOT disruptive and out-of-control as you report.

Can someone explain to me why this has became such a big issue? They went to the pool JUNE 29th and according to the camp where told the next day JUNE 30th that they contract would be revoked. The reseved the check back for the full amount on JULY 2nd and then the camp claimed racism on JULY 8th.  I think the club lack of thinking how 60 or 65 kids (since the reports seem to report both numbers.) The camp dirctor said in her first reports that she hear no racial comment but a week and a half later alot of the kids had comment they claim they hear.  What about the other camp that had there contacts revoked? One was reported in the paper today. Of couse they did not mention this camp race and it was reported that there was only 20 children from this camp..Another question are all the other private swim clubs that are closer to the camp are they racist too for refusing them in the first place?

VALLEY GIRL: I'd be interested, as I'm sure others would be, in the facts of the "reverse discrimination" that you were subjected to as a teacher. Also, you appear to have the inside scoop on what went down at The Valley Swim Club. I'm certain that many would be  interested in hearing that scoop. One thing that I've noticed about "private club" membership rules is that the rules are often applied and enforced in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner. In other words, do as I say and not as I do. And that the rules are enforced only to bring heat upon certain undesirables.

I grew up in the town next to Huntington Valley where this swim club is located.  Huntington Valley is a very well-to-do community.  The "complextion" comment meant exactly they way it was taken - there is no way they wanted so many African Americans in their pool.  This may not be the views shared by some other members, but I'm sure it was shared by many.  However, in defense of the pool members, my family and I used to belong to a community pool which bussed in kids from near by camps/daycares.  The pool was very crowded.  So much so, that we switched to a private pool in order to not have to deal with the crowds.  I wouldn't be too happy if a bus (no matter what race the kids are) pulled up and jam-packed the pool where I was a member. 

kristing, the challenge of lifeguards to guarantee the safety of these children should have been considered before the camp was invited.  Obviously the swim club should have determined exactly how many children would arrive.  Since I know little about the whole situation, those are the two opinions I have.

It would be racist to ask why some of these children (or maybe most of them) must depend on daycare in order to enjoy a pool once a week.  We dare not suggest their parents take some responsibility for their needy predicament.  No, we mustn't say such a thing, but if we say the same about white parents who are shortchanging their children, there's no name for that.

Blame the swim club and  everyone else.  Sue them.  Parents hold no guilt.  (baloney)

I am perturbed about blatant racism at the Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley. If the swim club has nothing to hide, why have they changed their motto three times. I pray that the NAACP and the SCLC and Al Sharpton get involved.

This is a non-issue. It is a private club, they can do what they want. Let's go shut down racist BET, the Black Music Awards, the Latino Music Awards, the NAACP, The Negro College Fund, etc... singling out people by skin color, or ethnicity is racism! Nobody cares when whites are left out of the loop. Where is the outrage when 20  New Haven Conn. firefighters were denied promotions because the weren't black. Racist Sotomayor sided with racism and let the blacks keep the undeserved promotions. Look, blacks are racists too. 93% of blacks voted for a black guy and it is racial harmony? It seems it's only racism when a white person is at fault.

If the club's intentions are so innocent, why is web site down? Why is it you can't reach anyone at the club? Why are they dodging? Because the president meant exactly what he stated, they don't want blacks or any people of color 'changing the complexion' of the club. Actually, we should be relieved. We know where they stand, and if I were the parent of those children, there would be no way in h@ll, I would send my child back. You cannot legislate love, so if you have to force someone to love, just walk away. I'm not saying we should not stand up and speak out about bigotry, but we could also send a LOUD message by telling them, thanks, but NO THANKS!

This is a case of racism pure and simple , the head of the club knew how many kids would be there , to say that there wasn't enough room is a lame argument !

America is and always will be a racist country , i have been in the military 29 years and we have rampant racism !

You know, if they knew that they had 65 kids coming to their pool and no extra lifeguards on staff to help out, they are completely irresponsible. Try extra staff 1 day a week, 3 hours. This incident is so racially motivated it makes me sick. And it hurts my heart to think about how one off_handed comment can forever change the way a child sees him/herself. If I were a member I would quickly cancel my membership. Who wants to be associated with a place like That! Appalling!

Let the kids back in a deal is a deal. Take the high road and enjoy the pool and summer.

I believe it is obvious that racism is involved; I do not believe the same reaction and set of consequences would have occurred if the group had been mostly white.  How many camps does this pool have contracts with?  How many were cancelled?  What the message that was sent to these innocent children looking forward to a day of fun was hateful and scarring.  I live in Abington, No Place for Hate is our motto- why not adopt this motto at your pool?  If overcrowding was an issue that day, how did you know it would be a continual issue so much so that you cancelled their contract completely- there is never a good day for a group of people of color to be at your pool?  They knew the numbers going into this contract, why the sudden change?  It reeks of racism and the pool should be held accountable.   

As a Quaker who is continuing to learn about my internalized racism and about society's systemic oppression of people of color, I have mixed feelings.  But as I read a bit more about the incident, I have these thoughts/questions:

1.  Can the pool's management and/or lifeguards create a new system--as was done when I was a kid at a crowded pool, as I recall--where, when it gets overcrowded, everyone gets out of the pool and folks are grouped into sections, where each section (hopefully not divided according to skin color!) gets, say, 20-30 min in the pool before they have to switch with the other section?

2.  Could management and/or lifeguards have called everyone out of the pool and met with a few "representatives" or leaders of each subgroup--the senior citizens, the camp's leadership, etc.--to work together to come up with a plan for staying safe and not overtaxing the lifeguards?  What about collaboration and creative problem-solving...?

3.  After an incident like this--one that involves white authority figures and African American visitors/guests--it does little good to say "We're not racist."  People in the oppressed group won't believe it, based on their cumulative and personal experience over time (think:  *institutional racism* instead of an isolated incident that can be perceived and labeled as racist).  It may be better to say "It makes sense that many people, especially people of color and their allies, would see this incident as racist.  Here's how it looked from our point of view, as management/lifeguards, etc.  ....and here's our commitment to working with the camp and its campers who were impacted by our decision..."

Blessings,

Liz Opp, <a href="http://thegoodraisedup.blogspot.com">The Good Raised Up</a>

I have a very tan complexion, so I know what racism feels like.

In my opinion, THIS WASN'T RACISM.

If my family and I had joined a private swim club, and 60something kids jumped into the pool ... yelling, playing, running around ... we'd be leaving too.

"Complexion" probably meant 'environment'. ie: A private club is understood to have smaller, more intimate numbers.

As far as I'm concerned, they shouldn't have let any of these day cares / organizations join in the first place.

I hope they stay in business. Frankly, I'm more than a little tired of the 'racism' cry.

Again, I have been there, but this is just a friggin joke.

To say that race was not an issue is to be in utter & complete denial. The comments about changing the " atmosphere & complexion " are revealing. But the most revealing aspect is actually the sad attempt of saying that " safety " or " overcrowding " were the reasons why the kids were turned away. I say that because.......it's a SWIM CLUB !

- You're telling me that an upscale, hidden away swim club has no idea how to accomodate and make exceptions ???...That's their business. That's their daily operation. Running a swim club

They agreed to allow 65 kids to attend the Swim Club. They knew very well how many kids were arriving. They made NO ATTEMPT to re-locate, or apologize for the " mix-up " or " crowding issues " The camp was quickly offered a refund and told " not to return "

NOT TO RETURN is the key word. There is no apolgy in that tone. There is no empathy or feeling of poor mismanagement or concern in that tone. It is pretty straight up. It is really hard for someone to argue that RACE and the " buzz around the pool " were not an issue in the matter.

Wow...reading these comments...the politically correct thoughtless squad is in full swing!!

It is amazing...if anyone posts a message that is even "slightly" contrary to the drive to declare the club racist, that person is labeled as either stupid, racist, bigoted, or uninformed.

How about this...wait for the investigation (if any) results to be made public, and then consider rendering an opinion.  If you were not there to witness it first hand, you know NOTHING. 

Anything else at this point is SPECULATION. I am unwilling to accept the statements made by ANY of the people involved.  

I think that racism was certainly a factor in the decision to ban these children. The desperate, damage-control backpedaling that the swim club attempted does not change the "complexion" of this issue. Racism is very much alive and well today - maybe more than ever. So in answer to your question, the racial allegations ARE fair. Fair complected.

this sort of thing is "surprising" to people who choose to exist in denial, but it's not surprising for those of us who can't afford that luxury. when matters of "complexion," regardless of any alternate definitions, are everyday occurrences in your life, when you know first hand that this still is a racist country, regardless of how much people pat themselves on the back for electing Obama, it's really hard to just say "oh they made bad word choice, they didn't mean it."

yeah right.

Marty L / annoyed,

The "problem" is that on one hand, people want to complain about racism, and on the other hand they want to engage in it themselves.  Racism is racism, regardless of who engages in it, and is wrong.

Best examples that are race-neutral are:

1) a police officer that steals or otherwise breaks the laws they are employed to enforce

2) religious figure that violates the "laws/rules" of their religion

What a shame for someone to hear about the Valley Swim Club for the first time in this manner!!

the club took their money, made a deal for the use of the pool & in the end said they were overwhelmed by the # of kids, if it doesn't make sense it's not true. Am I to believe they never asked how many kids are coming to the pool or anything about the summer camp program? if the people who run the club aren't bigots they gave into their club members who are.  The ownwers of the club should have immediately removed those members who refused those WONDERFUL & BEAUTIFUL kids.. what year is this??? what country is this???? Comon people can we move foward please.

Is anyone looking into the history of this Swim Club? Was this the first time they hosted a group of children during the Summer? If not maybe they made a logistical mistake and then fumbled severely while attempting to recover. Or, have they done this in the past and if so then it certainly paints a clear cut case of discrimination. Considering they were collecting a $1900 payment who approved this, and was it with the Boards approval/guidance? I haven't been able to find any of this information and it would be very helpful before joining others who have already lept to a decision. Definitely agree that they handled the situation poorly and cast doubt over their facility and members.