Bill Text: PA HR490 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Condemning racial intolerance and discrimination.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 36-7)

Status: (Passed) 2009-12-07 - Adopted [HR490 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2009-HR490-Introduced.html

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PRINTER'S NO. 2753
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 490 Session of2009
INTRODUCED BY WATERS, SEIP, COHEN, MURPHY, GRUCELA, QUINN, DePASQUALE, YOUNGBLOOD, KIRKLAND, SHAPIRO, FABRIZIO, FRANKEL, HOUGHTON, JOSEPHS, BRENNAN, PARKER, DALEY, BRIGGS, MYERS, BEYER, M. O'BRIEN, STABACK, BISHOP, DeWEESE, STEVENSON, FREEMAN, D. COSTA, BUXTON, WATSON, MARKOSEK, MANDERINO, SIPTROTH, BROWN, SAYLOR, GOODMAN, SWANGER, GEORGE, KORTZ, MAHONEY AND BOYD, OCTOBER 6, 2009
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, OCTOBER 6, 2009
A RESOLUTION
Condemning racial intolerance and discrimination.
WHEREAS, All people in the United States of America,
regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality or social or economic
condition have the right to personal and material well-being;
and
WHEREAS, Discrimination and racial intolerance is contrary to
America's democratic principles of equality and the right of all
people to be treated fairly; and
WHEREAS, The failure to act or speak out to prevent racial
discrimination can be considered an act of racial discrimination
in itself; and
WHEREAS, Acts of racial discrimination and intolerance can
occur when a person's failure to act can be considered a
distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based solely
on race, ethnicity, nationality and social or economic condition
that denies an individual a right or privilege that is enjoyed
by the majority; and
WHEREAS, The alleged systemic racism apparent in the actions
of the Valley Swim Club management reinforces the social and
economic disadvantages experienced by children of color and
children of low economic means; and
WHEREAS, On June 29, 2009, African-American and Latino
children from the Creative Steps Day Camp made their first visit
to the Valley Swim Club, however, the campers were turned away
and asked not to return; and
WHEREAS, The Creative Steps Day Camp, located in
Philadelphia, had entered into a contract with the Valley Swim
Club, a private swim club located in Huntingdon Valley, and paid
a fee of $1,950 to have campers swim at the ten-acre complex;
and
WHEREAS, The Valley Swim Club suspended the camp's membership
and revoked the camp's privileges June 30, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The President of the Valley Swim Club stated that
the campers were turned away because, "There was concern that a
lot of kids would change the complexion ... and the atmosphere
of the club"; and
WHEREAS, The campers felt discriminated against because of
the color of their skin and were allegedly told by pool
attendants that minorities were not allowed at the club; and
WHEREAS, A study by researchers affiliated with the Iowa
State University concluded, "kids who experience discrimination,
or see it happening to their parents or other family members,
are at a higher risk for depression," including sleeping
disorders, feeling sad, worthless, listless or suicidal; and
WHEREAS, At the World Conference Against Racism, Racial
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Discrimination and Related Intolerance, a spokesperson for The
United Nations Children's Fund opined that the pervasive evils
of racism, discrimination and intolerance compromise the right
of children to survive, to develop and to reach their fullest
potential"; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's children are the force for positive
social and cultural change that will promote economic well-
being; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives holds that racist
behavior, discrimination and intolerance are incompatible with
America's democratic philosophy and rule of law; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives unequivocally
condemn and denounce all forms of racism, racial discrimination
and related intolerance; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express profound
indignation and regret that racial intolerance still occurs in
this Commonwealth and urge the Human Relations Commission to
investigate allegations of discrimination wherever they may
surface, including the Valley Swim Club incident, and continue
to ensure equality and fair treatment for all individuals.
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