My LTE in the Charleston Post and Courier (May 20)
https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/opinion-letters-drunk-driving-transportation-charleston-county-sheriff-scouting-america/article_af7a904e-062d-11ef-b269-d372d75ee466.html
Inclusion for all Boy Scouts of America is in the process of changing its name to Scouting America. The organization first admitted LGBTQ boys in 2013, then gay scout leaders in 2015 and girls in 2019.
Roger Krone, president of Scouting America, said the name change reflects that now everyone in America can "bring their authentic self" to the program.
Maybe not everyone. Despite the name change, some boys and girls still won't be able to join. That's because the Scout oath will not change. It begins, "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country."
What about boys and girls who do not believe in God? Their numbers are increasing in our country. Scouting America, like Boy Scouts of America, continues to exclude all who do not believe in God. They need to take that one additional step for inclusivity.
Girl Scouts recognized that fact years ago. The Girl Scout Promise allows that "Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs."
Boy Scouts of America needs more than a name change to allow members who "bring their authentic self" to the organization.
HERB SILVERMAN
Charleston
https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/opinion-letters-drunk-driving-transportation-charleston-county-sheriff-scouting-america/article_af7a904e-062d-11ef-b269-d372d75ee466.html
Inclusion for all Boy Scouts of America is in the process of changing its name to Scouting America. The organization first admitted LGBTQ boys in 2013, then gay scout leaders in 2015 and girls in 2019.
Roger Krone, president of Scouting America, said the name change reflects that now everyone in America can "bring their authentic self" to the program.
Maybe not everyone. Despite the name change, some boys and girls still won't be able to join. That's because the Scout oath will not change. It begins, "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country."
What about boys and girls who do not believe in God? Their numbers are increasing in our country. Scouting America, like Boy Scouts of America, continues to exclude all who do not believe in God. They need to take that one additional step for inclusivity.
Girl Scouts recognized that fact years ago. The Girl Scout Promise allows that "Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs."
Boy Scouts of America needs more than a name change to allow members who "bring their authentic self" to the organization.
HERB SILVERMAN
Charleston
