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At one time, the Boy Scouts of America were synonymous with visions of campfires, troop uniforms, flag salutes, and adventurous educational moments for young, American boys.
Now, following years of sex abuse allegations and political correctness, the Boy Scouts have been swept into the dustbin of history, replaced instead with a new title, “Scouting America.”
The newly sterilized title likely comes as no surprise to many Americans who have witnessed the tumultuous fallout in the organization on the heels of controversial changes that were made within Boy Scout leadership.
According to the Associated Press, the biggest changes began when Boy Scouts of America lifted their ban on gay youth and gay leaders (2013 and 2015) and later, in 2017, when they announced that girls would be allowed to join the organization, as well.
According to The New York Times, the Boy Scouts recently moved closer to settling over 82,000 claims of childhood sexual abuse, which will be wrapped up in a $2.4 billion judgment plan, courtesy of the U.S. Supreme Court.
On the Boy Scouts’ website, a new pop-up window notes that the official name change will go into effect on February 8, 2025. The site states, “The Boy Scouts of America will rebrand to Scouting America, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting.”
A lengthy statement from the organization expanded on its decision to change the name, insisting that the switch would not change its mission to teaching young people to be prepared for life.
President and CEO of the Boy Scouts, Roger A. Krone, stated, “Scouting America provides a welcoming, safe environment where youth can become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other. I encourage everyone to join us and experience the benefits of Scouting.”