Pool Manager Faces Fine, Jail in Bias Case
The Knickerbocker News, Albany, New York
The manager of the Mid-City Swimming Pool in Menands faces a fine of $200 and a possible five-day jail sentence because of discrimination brought against the pool by an Albany Negro girl.
It is the first time in the State Commission Against Discrimination’s 14-year existence that the agency had brought contempt and punishment proceedings in connection with alleged discrimination.
Threat of Jail
State Supreme Court Justice Roscoe V. Elsworth yesterday held the operators of the pool in contempt and set fines totaling $400 for refusal to obey anti-discrimination orders, SCAD said.
Henry G. Finn, manager, was told that in addition to a $200 fine, he will have to go to jail for five days if the court orders are not obeyed and if discriminatory practices do not cease at the pool.
Justice Elsworth found Ackley-Maines, Inc. the pool operators, and Finn were both guilty of failing to obey a court order last year to end discrimination at the pool
Apology Required
The court order required among other things that an apology be made to Miss Barbara Ann Sharpe, 16, of 123 Second St.
Miss Sharpe, a 10th grade pupil at an Albany high school, made the original complaint in June, 1957. SCAD conducted a public hearing on her charges that she was “twice refused” admission to the pool in 1957 because of her race.
Denies Discrimination
Ackley-Maines, Inc., owner of the pool, denied it at public hearing on the girl’s complaint, April 21, 1957, that discrimination had been practiced.
SCAD charged earlier this year that the Mid-City Swimming Pool display SCAD posters prominently and send the Negro girl a letter of apology.
An Albany SCAD spokesman said the punishment fines of $400 will probably be turned over to Miss Sharpe.