On Tuesday, the Boy Scouts of America announced that, after 115 years, it plans to change its name to "Scouting America" in an effort to be more "inclusive."
The reaction to the rebranding has been mixed. Many Republican lawmakers have criticized the BSA for bowing to left-wing interests by "going woke."
A member of the Boy Scouts in the 1970s, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) reflected on all the good the organization has done to help mold young boys into leading men over the decades. However, he said he feared this move would end the Scouts.
"I'm disappointed to see this change," Aderholt told 1819 News. "The Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts have both done so much to build the moral and leadership character of so many men and women in this country. A change like this just seems to be another attempt to placate the 'woke mob,' and I fear will lead to the end of the Boy Scouts entirely."
The name will officially change on the organization's 115 anniversary in February 2025.
"While this may be a surprise to some of you, for us this is a straightforward evolution and the next natural step in ensuring all American youth feel welcomed and recognized in an organization that is meant to serve all Americans," BSA president and CEO Roger A. Krone, said at a Tuesday news conference, according to CNN.
The BSA has been struggling after being hit by several child molestation scandals and controversy over allowing openly gay leadership. In March, the Alabama Legislature passed SB18, also known as the Scout's Honor Bill, that extended the statute of limitations for BSA sexual abuse victims to file a claim with the Scouting Settlement Trust.
The trust was formed in April 2023 from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of the BSA to "fairly, consistently, and efficiently evaluate survivors' sexual abuse Claims."
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com or find him on Twitter and Facebook.
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