A story was issued by Fox News today about a misunderstanding that occurred between YMCA of Austin staff and a group of students from the organization Students for Life. In light of discussion surrounding the issue, the YMCA of Austin is seeking to clarify its position on the matter. The YMCA of Austin strives to create an atmosphere that is welcoming to all, where people of all backgrounds are comfortable. That’s what we were striving to do in accommodating the Students for Life group who were in need of a place to shower. Unfortunately, in this instance, it caused the political debate to come into the Y. If any person or group enters our facilities and creates an atmosphere that is disruptive, we have an obligation to our members and program participants to ask that person or group to leave or to refuse them access. There are appropriate places in which to conduct a political debate, and that place is down the street at the State Capitol, not at our YMCA. As a volunteer-led nonprofit organization, it is not our intention to inject ourselves into this issue, nor do we take a position on this issue. We are working directly with Students for Life to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 15:58:14 +0000