Valley club controversy may head to court

A controversy over swimming at The Valley Club that has attracted national attention may be headed into court.

A controversy over swimming at The Valley Club that has attracted national attention may be headed into court. Days after some Northeast Philadelphia campers said they heard members of the Montgomery County club make racial comments, the Club terminated the contract that let campers swim at the Club’s pool. The Valley Club’s President says the decision was made for safety reasons, and he has invited the campers back to swim at the Club.

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[audio: 090714lfpool.mp3]

Even though the kids have been invited back, Temple University constitutional law professor David Kairys says there are still plenty of legal actions that could be taken.

Kairys: You could bring a case under the civil rights act of 1964. there also is the possibility of other civil constitutional claims. The civil rights act would be a statutory claim, and then the also possibility of claims under state law.

Kairys the club’s decision to invite the campers back could be significant in building the defense’s case and mitigating damages.

The state Human Relations Commission is investigating the allegations of racial discrimination. Attorneys for the camp and some campers’ families have said they plan to file a federal discrimination lawsuit.