The U.S. Space and Rocket Center says staff members have received “some general, and some very specific” threats in the days since a controversy erupted following a social media post by a parent complaining about the presence of a transgender employee at Space Camp.

“This is not okay and is a subsequent, and very serious issue that we are dealing with internally and with the appropriate authorities,” the Huntsville center said in a statement released Friday afternoon.

The center, which hosts Space Camp, said “no child has been physically harmed on our campus.”

In addition, no allegation of a child being harmed “was ever raised as part of the recent social media controversy,” the center stated.

“Our operation is designed with layers of protection to mitigate against single points of failure.”

As to any threats to staffers, those will be handled internally, and with “the appropriate authorities,” the center said.

This week, federal and state lawmakers reacted on social media after a parent complained on Facebook about the gender identity of one of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center employees.

The topic was also picked up by the Libs of TikTok account. An Alabama state lawmaker proposed adding Space Camp to a proposed expansion of the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law.

The employee referenced by critics declined to comment.

A petition was started by the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition in support of the employee.

“The notion that queer people are out to “indoctrinate,” “groom,” or “recruit” children is a prejudiced falsehood that dates back decades in America and has led to innocent queer people losing their lives and livelihoods,” ALTRAC said in a statement this week.

“This kind of rhetoric further divides our state, has no basis in reality, and has historically led to violence.”

Space Camp hosts about 26,000 participants each year. According to its website, it follows federal guidelines and does not discriminate against protected classes when hiring. The center says there are strict guidelines separating staff and students.

Officials are reviewing and updating policies for “the highest level of safety and risk prevention, as well as ensuring full compliance and oversight.”

In its statement, the center said it investigates any complaint of employee misconduct or policy violations. Officials “are still gathering information,” but efforts were slowed by Spring Break and “resources being diverted to deal with external safety threats.”

According to the camp, staff undergo nationwide criminal background checks including court records, Department of Corrections data, state sex offender registries from across the country, and multi-panel drug tests. Staff sleep in separate rooms from students and use separate bathroom facilities, with 24-hour onsite security including round-the-clock video surveillance, regular foot and vehicle patrols, and controlled campus and building access.

“We value the safety of all individuals – our students, our employees, and our guests,” the center stated.

Officials have also been in contact with administrators of school groups planning trips to Space Camp in the coming weeks, and plan to reach out to others beyond.

The center “is and will remain an equal-opportunity employer adhering to all state and federal laws regulating hiring practices.”

“We appreciate and want to thank our friends, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders who have supported us during this time, especially the Huntsville Police Department,” the statement read.