USSRC responds to lawmakers voicing concerns about Space Camp counselor
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – A number of Alabama lawmakers, citing constituent concerns over a parent’s claims of a transgender Space Camp counselor, say they want assurances the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is providing a safe environment for children.
Huntsville-area Congressman Dale Strong, whose district includes the home to Space Camp, said in Twitter post that the individual should be removed from their job.
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The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) issued a lengthy statement Monday evening, saying student safety and security is the Center’s “number one priority.” The statement goes on to say that any allegations of misconduct are taken “very seriously” and will be investigated.
The political reaction appears to have followed a social post by a parent who said they planned to send their daughter to Space Camp, but changed their mind after the parent learned a transgender counselor was a team lead and could potentially be in camp dorm halls with female students.
The Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition has also spoken out, saying in part, “It is clear that the goal of these social media posts is to pressure the Space and Rocket Center to fire the employee in question simply for being transgender.”
None of the political comments detail any specific allegations, but the Alabama-based members of Congress all stress the need for a safe environment at Space Camp.
Here are the full comments made by the USSRC, lawmakers and The Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition.
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The USSRC released the following statement on Monday night:
“We are aware of rumors circulating on social media about a Space Camp employee. We would like to assure parents, teachers, and the public that the safety and security of Space Camp students is our number one priority. Any allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously. We are working to determine the facts in this case, after which we will take appropriate action.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center adheres to all state and federal laws regulating hiring practices. Our camp staff undergo extensive nationwide criminal background checks that include state, county, and municipal court-level information, Department of Corrections data, state sex offender registries from across the country, and multi-panel drug tests.
We also have rigorous standards and procedures regarding the behavior of Space Camp employees to ensure the safety of students. These include:
Additionally, staff sleep in separate rooms from students and use separate bathroom facilities. We also provide 24-hour onsite security including round-the-clock video surveillance, regular foot and vehicle patrols, and controlled campus and building access.
We are an apolitical organization with no social agenda. Our singular mission is to inspire and educate.
Space Camp has been a trusted institution since its founding in 1982 with more than one million graduates from all 50 states and 150 countries. Many of those graduates have gone on to apply the leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills they learned at Space Camp to successful careers as scientists, engineers, teachers, doctors, and astronauts. We will continue to work hard to foster trust with each family and student that walks in our doors.”
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Representative Dale Strong posted a statement on X, formerly know as Twitter, which reads:
Senator Tommy Tuberville also voiced his concern on X, stating it’s important that this “remains a safe place for children and young people.”
Rep. Aderholt says constituents “alerted him to the situation,” and pointed out while his district doesn’t include USSRC, many students from his district attend space camp.
Below you can find the entire statement from the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition.
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This is a developing story, and News 19 will bring you updates as we get them.
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