As our country reckons with racial injustice, we all must consider our role and our failures and commit to meaningful action.
The twelve points of the Scout Law that define a Scout are all important, but at this moment, we are called on to be brave. Brave means taking action because it is the right thing to do and being an upstander even when it may prompt criticism from some. We realize we have not been as brave as we should have been because, as Scouts, we must always stand for what is right and take action when the situation demands it.
There is no place for racism – not in Scouting and not in our communities. Racism will not be tolerated.
We condemn the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and all those who are not named but are equally important. We hear the anguish, feel the heartbreak and join the country’s resolve to do better.
The Boy Scouts of America stands with Black families and the Black community because we believe that Black Lives Matter. This is not a political issue; it is a human rights issue and one we all have a duty to address. That is why, as an organization, we commit to:
1) Introducing a specific diversity and inclusion merit badge that will be required for the rank of Eagle Scout. It will build on components within existing merit badges, including the American Cultures and Citizenship in the Community merit badges, which require Scouts to learn about and engage with other groups and cultures to increase understanding and spur positive action.
2) Reviewing every element of our programs to ensure diversity and inclusion are engrained at every level for participants and volunteers by applying a standard that promotes racial equality and denounces racism, discrimination, inequality and injustice.
3) Requiring diversity and inclusion training for all BSA employees starting July 1 and taking immediate action toward introducing a version for volunteers in the coming months.
4)Conducting a review of property names, events and insignia, in partnership with local councils, to build on and enhance the organization’s nearly 30-year ban on use of the Confederate flag and to ensure that symbols of oppression are not in use today or in the future.
These are our next steps but certainly not our last.
We will also continue to listen more, learn more and do more to promote a culture in which every person feels that they belong, are respected, and are valued in Scouting, in their community, and across America.
As a movement, we are committed to working together with our employees, volunteers, youth members, and communities so we can all become a better version of ourselves and continue to prepare young men and women to become the leaders of character our communities and our country need to heal and grow.
Yours in Scouting,
The Boy Scouts of America National Executive Committee Dan Ownby
National Chair
Roger Mosby
President and CEO
Scott Sorrels
National Commissioner
Devang Desai
Jack Furst
Skip Oppenheimer
Nathan Rosenberg
Alison Schuler
Michael Sears
Thear Suzuki
Brad Tilden
Jim Turley
Guess I missed the discovery, trial and sentencing phases of these incidents......?
The BSA is still in business?
Racism in America is mostly against White people at this point.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
“As our country reckons with racial injustice”
Such as??
Finally, BSA has bravely come out against hatred.
Now if they could just stop poking the boys.
Conservative Boy Scout Alternatives
https://wehavekids.com/youth-programs/Conservative-Boy-Scout-Alternatives
I can’t believe what the Scouts have become today. When I was a part of it in the early 1970s, it was like the mini Marines, 12 years old and I was camping in the middle of winter in upstate New York in canvas tents that leaked. We would wake up and our clothes would be frozen solid. Or in the summer they would make up swim the length of Alder lake to the point of almost drowning. All our scout masters were WW2 vets who absolutely demanded respect for the flag and the USA, Sev Knudsen who died 5 years ago...
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?n=SEVALD-KNUDSEN&pid=174162735
or Bob Greenbaum, all WW2 vets who prepared us for the military.
But racial injustice? We had black and Hispanic kids in our Troop and anything even resembling racism would have gotten us booted the hell out if not our asses kicked!!!!
This is liberals and RINOs that have taken over and poisoned the scouts!!
Anyone notice the ads on AM radio lately by lawyers looking for victims of sexual assault by the BSA? This is the scam: The left/RINOs demanded gays be accepted in the scouts and they got their wish because nobody fought back, now the BSA is getting its ass sued off because of all the scouts who were sexually assaulted by these perverts.
WHEN DO WE FIGHT BACK?
So on those rare moments when the scoutmasters aren’t fornicating with the young boys they can worry about “systemic racism”.
I felt ten feet tall. Like I had been inducted into a sacred order. I felt like I was in the company of giants and that from that moment on for the rest of my life I would strive to live up to that noble rank.
Today I see what has come of the Boy Scouts, and I weep bitter tears.
they wonder why they’re struggling.
I am a former Life Scout.
I am so very sorry, the organization so badly jumped the shark.
It is HIGHLY embarrassing.
New Motto for the Boy Scouts:
“Not just financially bankrupt”
Does this mean they will or they won’t abuse black boys?
And what about trans gendered scouts?
We only butt rape white boys.
Who would have though the Boy Scouts of America would change their name to Scouting USA, become allied with the Antifa and the Profag movements?
Who would have though the Boy Scouts of America would change their name to Scouting USA, become allied with the Antifa and the Profag movements?
What about let’s prosecute the BSA leadership for enabling paedophila?
So only black homosexuals can be troop leaders?