The twin joys of swimming and teaching have always been central for Libby Souder. For years, the Columbia, SC, resident gave private swim lessons to local children in her backyard pool, which was more accessible and comfortable than public pools, especially for young children and those with disabilities.
Each year, Souder had her business license renewed by the city’s zoning administrator without issue. She typically taught for a few months leading up to summer swim season, a child or two at a time, two to three hours a day. Everything was straightforward—until it wasn’t.
The arrival of a new neighbor threw a wrench into Souder’s business, and now she is suing the city of Columbia, with the possibility that the South Carolina Supreme Court will have to weigh in…