(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 6/27/25) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today 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.
CAIR-Philadelphia commended the young woman for standing firm in her beliefs and refusing to compromise her faith and is calling on the City of Philadelphia to take the following immediate actions:
- Launch a full investigation into this incident.
- Issue a formal apology to the lifeguard and her family.
- Reinstate her position if she wishes to return.
- Implement citywide training for supervisors and staff on religious accommodations and anti-discrimination policies.
“This young woman was prepared, professional and fully qualified,” said Adam Alaa Attia, Legal Director of CAIR-Philadelphia. “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.”
Attia said this incident is part of a broader pattern of exclusion that Muslim women face in the workplace and public spaces. We stand with this lifeguard and all others who are denied opportunities because of how they choose to live their faith.
He cited a tradition (hadith) of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in which he said: “Every religion has an innate character. The (innate) character of Islam is modesty.” (Al-Muwatta)
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.
BACKGROUNDER:
On her first day of work, after completing several hours on duty, she was allegedly told to leave — despite wearing swimwear that complied with safety requirements and was specifically designed for aquatic use. The young woman was further instructed not to return to her position the following day.
The young woman’s attire was made of the same material required for lifeguard swimsuits, provided full coverage in accordance with her religious beliefs, and posed no risk to her or others. In fact, it offered greater safety and water accessibility than other permitted clothing such as hoodies.
Yet instead of allowing her to continue working, the City reportedly offered her a 3XL men’s cotton t-shirt and XL men’s swim trunks as an alternative — despite the fact that she is a 16-year-old girl who wears a women’s small.
This alternative not only disregarded her religious beliefs and bodily autonomy but also undermined any claim that the issue was about fabric or safety — cotton is not approved swim material, and loose, oversized clothing is a well-known drowning hazard.
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.
