A modest swimsuit worn by a 16-year-old Muslim lifeguard has triggered controversy at Philadelphia’s John Kelly Pool, after the teen was reportedly dismissed from her position on her first day for wearing attire aligned with her religious beliefs.
In a statement, the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on the city to reinstate the teen, saying, “She was forced to choose between her faith and her employment, a choice no worker should ever have to make, especially in Philadelphia, where the Muslim community is foundational to the city’s identity,” Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
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According to CAIR legal director Adam Alaa Attia, the teen wore a long-sleeve rash guard swim shirt, long-leggings rash guard bottoms, and a loose-fitting outer garment fastened with Velcro, meant to be worn only while she was seated on duty, not in the water.
Despite the outfit meeting safety standards, the release said, she was told not to return because the outer garment was deemed “too flowy.”
Disregarding Religious Freedom
As an alternative, CAIR stated the city offered her a 3XL men’s cotton T-shirt, which was oversized and did not meet her modesty requirements.
CAIR said the decision disregarded the teen’s religious practices and bodily autonomy.
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson denied allegations of religious discrimination, stating, “She was not discriminated against.
She was accommodated.” She clarified the concern was not the modest swimsuit itself, but the attached outer garment, which staff described as a “cape.”
Slawson added, “You can’t get in the pool with that on because you have to worry about someone getting caught in that guard and possibly drowning because they’re caught in this long cape.”
She said the teen’s mother claimed it would take only “10 seconds” to remove the garment, but responded, “Ten seconds could be someone’s life.”
CAIR has called for a formal apology, a full investigation, citywide anti-discrimination training, and the teen’s reinstatement if she wishes to return.
Slawson said she had already scheduled a meeting with the family and extended an invitation to CAIR officials before the group issued its public statement. She added the city is still willing to meet and offer the teen additional shifts.
“We can’t afford to lose any [lifeguards], so it’s important we keep her as a part of our team,” Slawson said, as the city continues to face a lifeguard shortage.