Democratic senator confronted over membership in elite, all-white beach club: 'It's a long tradition'

Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.) was confronted Friday about his family's continued membership in an exclusive, all-white club in Newport, Rhode Island.

In response, Whitehouse defended his membership in the club despite publicly denouncing systemic racial discrimination.
What are the details?

According to GoLocalProv, Whitehouse and his wife are members of the all-white private Bailey's Beach Club in Newport.

From GoLocalProv:
Both Whitehouse and his wife Sandra as well as their families have been members of the club for decades. Whitehouse did transfer his shares in the club to his wife years ago, and she is now one of the largest shareholders in the all-white club. The club's membership is a who's who Newport, Palm Beach, and New York wealth.