What Parents of Scouts Can Do to Help

Scouting’s policy of discrimination sends a message to our youth that it’s OK to be inconsiderate and disrespectful towards those with different religious beliefs and sexual orientations. Naturally, many parents are concerned about the potential effect of this message on their children. Just as naturally, parents wonder what they should do about it.

Many Scouting units across America have adopted nondiscrimination statements, in defiance of national policy. These statements indicate the unit’s commitment to welcoming all Scouts, regardless of sexual orientation or religious belief. Unfortunately, only one unit in the state of Indiana, Troop 335 in West Lafayette, has formally expressed opposition to the Scout’s membership policy. This does not leave easy choices for parents of Scouts in our area. Even so, parents of Scouts or potential Scouts can do some things that may make Scouting more inclusive.

Here are some options to consider:

1) Consider another youth group.

Though the Boy Scout program is a fine one in principle, a concerned parent may find its current message of discrimination unacceptable. If you are unable to find an inclusive Boy Scout unit in your area, consider encouraging your child to become involved in a youth group that does not practice discrimination. The 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Campfire Boys and Girls are examples of such organizations.

2) Shop around for an informally inclusive unit

Though few local units have a formal nondiscrimination policy, we believe that many units are “informally” inclusive, in the sense that they do not actively practice discrimination against gay and atheist Scouts and Scout leaders. The hostile attitude of local Scout officials may to some extent be discouraging these units from adopting a formal nondiscrimination statement. Nevertheless, they may be suitable units for those who wish to participate in Scouting, but not be subject to homophobia or religious discrimination.

Because they do not have formal nondiscrimination statements, informally inclusive units may be difficult for the parent to identify. We recommend that concerned parents talk to the unit’s Scoutmaster. Ask him how he feels about Scouting’s discrimination policy and whether he supports it in practice in his troop. Make sure he knows how you feel about the policy.

Hoosiers for Inclusive Scouting is also working to obtain information on inclusive Scouting units in Indiana. As we learn about the environment in Indiana Scouting units, we can make this information available on a private basis to parents seeking inclusive units. We encourage parents who locate inclusive units, even if they do not have a formal nondiscrimination statement, to contact us with information about the unit so that we can help other concerned parents.

3) Work for change

Parents can have an enormous influence on the inclusiveness of their child’s Scout unit. As a general rule, every Scout unit is managed by parents who volunteer their time. Consequently, the inclusiveness of a Scout unit is very often directly related to the concern parents show over this issue.

As a parent, there are several things you can do to support inclusiveness in your child’s Scouting unit:

1) Talk to the Scoutmaster. Find out what he thinks about Scouting’s membership policy and make sure he knows what you think.

2) Become active on the Troop Committee. The Troop Committee is generally made up of parents who guide the troop’s administrative affairs. By becoming involved with the committee, you can discuss your concerns with the parents of other Scouts and work to adopt a nondiscrimination statement.

3) Keep in touch with Hoosiers for Inclusive Scouting. If you have success in your troop in encouraging inclusiveness and even adopting a nondiscrimination statement, please let us know! We can use such information to help other concerned parents. Please also let us know how we can support you in your efforts.

4) If all else fails, try to find a more accepting Scout unit or other youth group for your child. Though many in Scouting oppose the current membership policy, many others also firmly support it. Some units may prove to be very hostile to efforts to change the policy. In that case, we encourage you to seek a friendlier unit.

Though there are no Scouting units in Indiana with a nondiscrimination statement, Hoosiers for Inclusive Scouting recognizes the potential for many units to adopt one. We are confident that many parents will follow the examples of Frank and Sheila Rosenthal and the other parents of Troop 335 in West Lafayette and work to end discrimination in Scouting one troop at a time.