Specter investigating alleged racism at Philly pool

Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) says he’s investigating charges of racism at a private pool in suburban Philadelphia where a group of minority students were turned away last month.

The controversy began when the Creative Steps Day Camp paid $1900 for its attendees to have access one day per week to The Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

But on June 29, when the mostly black and hispanic campers tried to use the pool, white members of the club allegedly made racist comments and pulled their white children our of the pool. The campers were eventually asked to leave, and the club president issued a statement citing concerns that the minority children would “change the complexion” of the pool.

Specter says he’s looking into the allegations of racial discrimination.

“The allegations against the swim club as they are reported are extremely disturbing,” Specter said. “I am reaching out to the parties involved to ascertain the facts. Racial discrimination has no place in America today.”

Specter also wrote a letter to the club president demanding the students be allowed to use the facility and hinting at possible legal ramifications.

“As a first step, without getting into all of the legal issues, it is my suggestion that you promptly reinstate the contract and welcome Ms. Alethea Wright’s group back to the pool. Whether they accept is up to them,” Specter wrote. “It may be that further action will be taken but my suggestion, as an immediate first step, would diffuse the situation and obviously be helpful.”

The campers, however, have found a new pool to use at a nearby boarding school.

The Valley Swim Club pool closed its doors Thursday as they sought to deal with the media frenzy surrounding the allegations.