San Diego County YMCA Releases Revised Statement on Underage Girl Locker Room Incident

SAN DIEGO (CUSI). Last week, a 17-year-old girl made headlines after she spoke about an incident involving her in which a naked man used the Santee YMCA women’s locker room.

She Rebecca Phillips shared her scary experience speaking to the Santee City Council as she noted that the staff all but ignored all her concerns as the other person identifies as a woman.

The staff said that a man who claims to be transgender is allowed to shower wherever he wants. Since he identifies as a girl, the naked man decided to use the women’s locker room. Then, Teri Maas, director of San Diego County YMCA membership, called Phillips and informed her that she was never in danger with a naked man in the locker room.

Last Friday, Phillips joined Kusi’s Hunter Sowards in the studio to talk about her experience and why she felt the need to speak up to protect the other girls who will frequent the YMCA women’s locker room in the future.

San Diego County YMCA spokesperson Dan Cruz was also on KUSI’s Good Evening San Diego Friday program to explain that the YMCA is “dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and fairness.”

But then on Monday, the San Diego County YMCA issued a revised press release, adding an apology to the 17-year-old involved in the incident.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2023

The San Diego County YMCA is the cornerstone of our community, positively impacting the lives of the thousands of young people, adults, seniors and families who rely on us every day. We strive for diversity, equality and inclusiveness and want everyone to feel welcome and safe in our Y.

We understand that the affected minor was hurt and upset, and we sincerely apologize for not giving her the support she deserves. We place great emphasis on creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment so that everyone can feel comfortable. We strive to treat each member with respect and protection and will continue to strive towards this goal.

We have an impeccable reputation and a proven track record of protecting and protecting children throughout our 150 year history. In fact, every YMCA member and employee goes through the National Sex Offender Registry daily, and every location and program operates outside of California and national child protection laws.

At the San Diego County YMCA, we welcome and value people of all ages, races, nationalities, religions, gender identities, gender expressions, abilities, sexual orientations, or financial backgrounds. Our YMCA operates under California law that gives people the right to access locker rooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms based on their gender identity. In addition, we rely on subject matter experts, laws, and guidelines established by the State of California to ensure that our policies are welcoming and respectful of all members of the community.

We also provide a separate gender-neutral toilet/shower for members who prefer privacy. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are reviewing dressing room plans across all of our association’s facilities. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to additional privacy when needed and desired.

RELATED STORY: Santee YMCA allows naked man to use women’s locker room with underage girls

The Cameron family of the Cameron Family YMCA in Santee provided KUSI News with the following statement:

The Cameron family is and has been a supporter of the Santee YMCA for all the good things they have done for the children, families and adults in the Santee community since 2003. We were saddened to learn of Rebecca Philips’ recent experience at the Santee YMCA and we apologize on behalf of the Cameron family. We understand her concerns, as well as the YMCA’s demands to comply with the laws of the State of California. We are working diligently with YMCA to find a solution that will make Rebecca and every child, woman and man always feel safe and secure at the Santee YMCA.