Boy Scouts Facing Backlash after Announcing Plan to Allow Girls

Posted By: N. Dagger October 11, 2017

Boy Scouts of America is facing backlash today after making one of the most controversial decisions of its 107 year history.

BSA Chief, Mike Surbaugh, announced they will be opening a new chapter to welcome girls to gain rank between Cub through Eagle beginning next year.

According BSA’s official statement, Cub Scout packs will have the option to incorporate girl groups into a pack, create an all-girl pack or remain all-boy packs.

Here are quotes taken directly from the group’s newsletter:

“The values of Scouting — trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example — are important for both young men and women….We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children.”

“We strive to bring what our organization does best — developing character and leadership for young people — to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.”

According to New York Times, the decision comes only months after the president of Girl Scouts criticized Boy Scouts of America for their “covert campaign to recruit girls.”

Per New York Times, Girl Scouts president, Kathy Hopinkah Hannan wrote this to Boy Scouts in August:

“I formally request that your organization stay focused on serving the 90 percent of American boys not currently participating in Boy Scouts.”

The move by BSA also faced harsh criticism from many others including Donald Trump Jr.:

Boy Scouts of America gained attention in 2013 for doing away with a ban on openly gay members. They also loosened membership requirements in recent years, announcing in January a change that will allow transgender members.

Main Article Image Source: Washington Times