Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Boy Scouts Of America Undergoes Significant Changes And Challenges

A Boy Scout uniform is displayed, Feb. 18, 2020, in the retail store at the headquarters for the French Creek Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Summit Township, Erie County, Pa. The U.S.

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has been an iconic organization in the U.S., known for its pinewood derbies, Scout Oath, and the prestigious Eagle Scout status. The organization traces its roots back to American businessman William Boyce, who was inspired to start it after a scout in London helped him find his way through the fog without accepting any money for the good deed.

Over the years, the Boy Scouts of America has undergone significant changes to promote inclusivity and diversity. In 2013, the organization began allowing gay Scouts, and in 2015, it lifted the ban on gay adult leaders. In 2017, the Boy Scouts announced that transgender boys could enroll in their boys-only programs, marking a step towards greater acceptance.

One of the most significant changes came in 2017 when the Boy Scouts of America decided to welcome girls into the program. This move allowed girls to join as Cub Scouts in 2018 and later into the flagship Boy Scout program, renamed Scouts BSA, in 2019. The organization saw nearly 1,000 women achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank in 2021, with over 6,000 girls earning this honor to date.

However, the Boy Scouts of America faced challenges, including legal battles over its membership policies. In 1990, the organization expelled an Eagle Scout for being part of a gay and lesbian organization, leading to a Supreme Court ruling allowing the exclusion of homosexuals. The Boy Scouts also encountered backlash over its bankruptcy filing in 2020, with numerous sex abuse claims surfacing.

Despite these challenges, the Boy Scouts of America continues to evolve, now known as Scouting America, as it focuses on fostering a more inclusive environment for all members.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.