|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Tony Payton, Jr.
|
|
Payton Reaches Out to Parents in Valley Swim Club Incident
PHILADELPHIA, July 14 – In response to more than 60 campers from Northeast Philadelphia being turned away from a private swim club, state Rep. Tony Payton Jr., D-Phila., is sending letters of support to the parents of the affected children.
The Creative Steps Day Camp paid more than $1,900 to use the Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley, however African-American and Hispanic children who entered the pool were asked to leave. The following day, the club informed the executive director of the camp that their membership was being rescinded and their money refunded.
"It is absurd that, in this day and age, our children have to be subjected to such ignorance and racism," Payton said. "One of the staff members in my own office has two children who attend that camp so I know firsthand the impact the incident has had on the children and their parents. These are well-behaved children. I wanted to send the parents a letter to reinforce the support they have from me and from all of the state legislators who are similarly outraged over this incident."
Payton said he has offered his support to U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, who is pursuing a full investigation of the incident. He added that his office had spoken directly with camp director Alethea Wright who thanked him for his assistance and agreed to deliver the personal messages prepared by Payton directly to the families.