(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 7/9/2025) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today welcomed the formal apology issued to Sa’diyah S, a 16-year-old Black Muslim-American lifeguard, and the steps taken by officials of the City of Philadelphia when she faced problems with her modest swimwear at a Philadelphia pool where she was hired to work as a lifeguard.
CAIR-Philadelphia said Sa’diyah has been reinstated as a lifeguard after appropriate accommodations.
SEE: Swimwear worn by a Muslim teen lifeguard leads to a heated dispute at Philly’s Kelly Pool
Last month, CAIR-Philadelphia condemned the City of Philadelphia for reportedly sending home a 16-year-old Muslim from her job as a lifeguard because of her modest religious swimwear and called for the apology and reinstatement.
The civil rights organization also acknowledged the constructive role played by the City’s Office of Muslim Engagement and its director, Imam Dr. Quaiser Abdullah, as well as Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson in helping to reach a resolution. While initial responses could have more fully accounted for Sa’diyah’s experience, the City’s eventual apology and accommodations represent a meaningful step forward and creates the opportunity for lasting structural change.
SEE: Faith, fabric, and fairness: From Philly lifeguard to accidental activist
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Legal Director Adam Attia, Esq. said:
“In a city with a rich and vibrant Muslim presence, it is imperative that no Muslim woman — or any member of our community — has to endure the kind of treatment Sa’diyah and her family faced. With that said, we appreciate that City officials took time to listen to our concerns and make changes that allow Sa’diyah to work as a lifeguard and practice her religion freely. We also hope this can be a turning point for relations between the city and its Muslim community so other Muslims do not experience what Sa’diyah went through.”
In a statement, Sa’diyah’s mother, Hadiyah Dwyer (UmmTaahir), said:
“While this unfortunate incident caused my daughter emotional distress, it ultimately proved a blessing. Through her courage and advocacy, she helped bring about significant changes to the City’s lifeguard uniform policy for Muslim women and men that will come after her and raised awareness about the implicit bias faced by Muslims — even in a city with a substantial Muslim population. She stood firm for what was right, and Allah blessed her for that. I’m proud of her. I’m proud to be her mother. This is the fruit of my labor.”
CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” to help employers gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in the workplace.
CAIR-Philadelphia remains committed to advocating for systemic reform and ensuring that the rights and dignity of all Muslims in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas are upheld and protected.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Adam Alaa Attia, Legal Director CAIR-Philadelphia, aattia@cair.com; Ahmet Tekelioglu, Executive Director CAIR-Philadelphia, atekelioglu@cair.com.
