City of Pella and parents address sensitive pool issue(Kirstie Alley was right)

PELLA, Iowa —

The city of Pella has released a statement in response to a sensitive issue that has elicited strong feelings across town.

The city started receiving complaints June 16 after a teenage swimmer at the Pella Aquatic Center went without a top, in alignment with their gender identity.

Some parents at the pool that day took issue with the exposed chest.

Pella put out the following statement:

"The City of Pella has received concerns related to the swimming attire of a patron who recently visited the Pella Aquatic Center. The City has reviewed the matter with legal counsel and no further action will be taken. The City considers this matter concluded.

The City of Pella operates its facilities consistent with state and federal law, which prohibits discrimination against any patron or participant on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability."

That statement, shared on the city's Facebook page, has generated nearly 700 comments as of Wednesday afternoon.

The topic was also top of mind for many speakers at the city council meeting Tuesday night.

City officials have turned down all media requests for interviews. They are referring to the aforementioned statement that the matter is concluded.

https://www.kcci.com/article/city-of-pella-and-parents-address-sensitive-pool-issue/36894390