Boy Scouts of America announces new gender-neutral name – and conservatives aren’t taking it well
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
The Boy Scouts of America, the largest scouting organization in the US, recently announced a name change to Scouting America as part of an initiative to promote greater inclusivity. The decision to rebrand has sparked controversy among right-wing groups, who have criticized the move as being too “woke.”
In a statement, Boy Scouts of America president Roger A Krane emphasized that despite the name change, the organization’s mission remains unchanged. He stated, “We are committed to teaching young people to be prepared for life. This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting.” The rebranding is set to take effect by February 2025, coinciding with the organization’s 115th anniversary.
The Boy Scouts of America had already started allowing girls aged seven to 10 to join their programs in 2018, with older girls aged 11 to 17 becoming eligible a year later. The decision to include girls in the organization was made in response to requests from families seeking to consolidate programs for their children.
Despite efforts to make the organization more inclusive, the move has faced backlash from right-wing organizations. Groups such as Libs of TikTok have criticized the decision, with owner Chaya Raichik expressing disbelief and frustration. Raichik lamented, “Why do they have to ruin everything?”
In response to the criticism, Krone has remained steadfast in his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all youth in America. He told the Associated Press, “In the next 100 years, we want any youth in America to feel very, very welcome to come into our programs.” Krone emphasized the importance of reducing barriers for people to join the organization and sending a strong message of inclusivity.
Currently, over 1 million individuals under the age of 18 are enrolled in Boy Scouts of America programs nationwide, including 176,234 girls and young women. Among them, approximately 6,000 girls have achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, the highest attainable rank in a BSA program.
Notable alumni of the Boy Scouts of America include former presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actor Harrison Ford, and director Steven Spielberg. The organization has a rich history of producing successful individuals across various fields.
The decision to rebrand as Scouting America reflects a broader cultural shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity. While facing criticism from some quarters, the Boy Scouts of America remains committed to its core values of leadership, service, and preparedness for all young people.
As the organization looks towards the future, it aims to continue expanding its reach and welcoming all youth who wish to participate in its programs. The name change is just one step in a series of initiatives aimed at making Scouting America a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Boy Scouts of America
