The Harambee Institute of Science and Technology, a charter school in West Philadelphia, has forever changed the meaning of the phrase “School is Cool.” Until last week, the K-8 school’s cafeteria doubled on weekends as Club Damani, a nightclub and lounge serving alcohol off an expired liquor license. The weekend scene was a remnant of the building’s past life as an Italian-American club. The building’s double life came to light during an on-going district investigation into school finances. The school and club are in no way connected, claim school leaders, and club profits in part support local community initiatives, a use that’s in line with the school’s mission. Gadfly knows just how tough it is for charter operators to secure facilities. Many share space with church groups, other schools, and community centers. One even operates in an old K-Mart. Might this be one more creative solution to the facility problem? (Kidding, kidding.) Meanwhile, district officials have shut the club down while lawmakers address another conundrum: The loophole in the law that prohibits the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a school but says nothing about serving alcohol inside.
“School Cafeteria Doubled As a Nightclub,” by Ian Urbina, New York Times, March 30, 2010
“Exclusive: Charter School Doubles as Bar,” by Brian Taff, ABC News, March 26, 2010
“Philly Charter School Says Nightclub Will Close,” by Kathy Matheson, Associated Press, April 1, 2010