Editor's Note: Thursday’s American Morning viewers expressed strong opinion regarding the discrimination lawsuit by the Creative Steps Day Care against the Pennsylvania Valley Swim Club, with the majority opposed to the suit. Those opposed did not “see how the lawsuit will bring about any positive change to this situation.” Those in favor of the suit noted “this is 2009 and a lesson needs to be learned by anyone discriminating against anyone.”
Against Lawsuit:
- Aisha: My name is Aisha and as an African American I understand what the Daycare center is going through at this difficult time. You hope through everything negative something positive happens. I really do not see how the lawsuit will bring about any positive change to this situation.
- Glen: Does anyone have the understanding that "private" means just that "private'. They own the pool and they have the right to choose. It did not take them long to fire out the "lets sue" slogan.
- Jeremy: I am so tried of this swimming case! It had no need to go to court and life goes on. This group is out to make a profit.
- Lee: Regarding the children being denied access to the swimming pool, I find it an awful thing. My goodness, I thought such racism was over with and I'm speaking as a Southerner who is quite familiar with racism, sexism and homophobia. The owners of the pool should be sued out of business to make an example to others that such behavior cannot and will not be tolerated.
- Stephanie: Do not sue over the swimming pool mess. It does not teach the kids to work things out peacefully. A court room is just another battle field. If it is done again, then go to court....but give peace a chance.
- Jay: The whole idea that a public pool in Philadelphia would kick children out for being black is ridiculous. It's ALWAYS about race. It would not matter if there are other valid reasons. They will MAKE it racial. Racism won't die because blacks won't LET it die. Just another excuse to sue someone. Same story, different day.
- Pat: White people get blamed for racism, at the drop of a hat. I have walked in black businesses, and did not even get a hello, I just left. This country is ok with reverse racism, I hear it on TV. every day. We have a black president, they need to get over it.
- Dan: The lady you had on this morning from the swim club where the kids were expelled based on race. I disagree with the kids not being allowed in to the club. Equal opportunity; however, the comment the director made about one of the kids now suffering migraines from this is way out there. That is a bunch of bologna. Just a way to try and beef up the lawsuit.
For the Lawsuit:
- Margo: By all means let the swimming pool issue go to court. This is 2009 and a lesson needs to be learned by anyone discriminating against anyone. Let it be another Rosa Parks moment.
- Dawn: This story just proves that racism is alive and well in this post-Obama world. These children should not have to be the bigger "man" and make this a lessons learned event. The Valley Club should own up to their actions. Regarding the potential effects of a civil rights case on the Valley Club, I say....."let the chips fall how they may"!
- Kamaal: The daycare understands that they are obligated to move forward with a lawsuit. Case closed.
Where do you stand on this issue? Is there a better alternative to settle this dispute than a lawsuit? What lessons will the children learn if nothing is resolved? What lessons if the daycare goes forward with the lawsuit?