What does it mean to be an Eagle Scout? For many it means standing up for what's right -- even if that means revoking your Eagle Scout medal. That's what some former Scouts have started doing following the American Boy Scout's announcement that they're standing by their anti-gay policy.
It all started when Boing Boing writer Maggie Koerth-Baker wrote about how her husband, Christopher, sent in a letter resigning from the Boy Scouts. The post inspired another former Eagle Scout to send in his own letter. And it inspired another, and another. The idea is catching on. But is the message getting through?
Maybe! James Turley is a member of the Boy Scouts of America's governing board (he's also Chairman and CEO of huge accounting firm, Ernst & Young). Turley has pledged to change the Boy Scouts' policy from the inside.
I support the meaningful work of the Boy Scouts in preparing young people for adventure, leadership, learning and service, however the membership policy is not one I would personally endorse. As I have done in leading Ernst & Young to being a most inclusive organization, I intend to continue to work from within the BSA Board to actively encourage dialogue and sustainable progress.
Right on, Mr. Turley! I would much rather see change from within than watch as men give back an award they worked hard to earn. I just hope the changes can move quickly.
My son started Cub Scouts just this year. He and his dad saw the local troop marching in a neighborhood parade and were inspired. And since Dad was an Eagle Scout, it just made sense to join. We started sending him to the local troop in Brooklyn without really asking any questions about their policies toward gay and lesbian participants. But while our little Scout is too young to have any notion of his sexual orientation, I'm hoping whatever it is, he'll find himself in a world that is more accepting. And that includes his Boy Scout troop.
Do you think former Eagle Scouts returning their medals could have an impact on BSA's policy?
Image via airplanemouse/Flickr
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Comments 11
doubtful. How does it hurt BSA to return your medal?
I don't see why we can't just let them believe what they want to, no one HAS to join. Let's stop trying to force people into changing their opinions.
Mommaluv, I don't think anyone is trying to change the BSA's opinions. You are right in saying that no one has to join. They absolutely have a right to their opinions. But these boys are already a member of the organization. So they are just making a point that they don't want to be a part of them any longer.
I absolutely hate their viewpoint, but this is America and they have a right to it. I wouldn't let my son join, but everyone should have that choice.
^^Agreed.
Yes, the message is getting through. It says that these men would rather throw away very worthy accomplishments than allow others the freedom of association. No, it won't change a thing. Whether you like or agree with them or not, the Boy Scouts of America have made clear that they stand on principle. No temper tantrum will sway them from their principles.
It should have an impact!! and this canand likeky will become an International affair. The sexual orientation of a childs' parents should not be basis for admital or refussal into the group.
I was a Scout for a while (back in the 80's) and there were a couple of gays kids, as well a lesbian moms, was never an issue (this in Mexico), they were the most cooperative.
I am SO tired of everything coming down to "are you gay?" Honestly, we tried to celebrate the life of Sally Ride on the day of her death, and suddenly it was all about her sexuality and not about a lifetime of accomplishment as a professional woman in a male-dominated industry.
Suddenly, people are trying to take down a successful fast-food chain because the owner has a personal belief in heterosexual "biblical" marriage, even though the company itself has never once discriminated. But suddenly, they're "homophobic anti-gay bigots" because they don't agree.
And now we have people turning their backs on their OWN accomplishments because a private organization chooses to exercise its own right to freedom of association.
What ever happened to "live and let live"? Would you, as an Athiest, fight to join a Catholic Church? No. Why, then, as a gay person, would you demand that BSA change their policies? or an Athiest? There are other organizations that they can join.
I'm so sick and tired of the tantrums.
waaa waaa waa mommy come change their diapers.
stop acting like children and grow up people cause I swear some of y'all are makin me think that you are ashamed or being homosexual so you are tryin to make others validate you. If that impression is wrong then shut up and get on with life.