For the first time in its 114-year history, the Boy Scouts of America is changing its name to be more inclusive.
Here’s what we know.
What did the ‘Boy Scouts’ change their name to?
The Boy Scouts of America, whose national headquarters is in Irving, Texas, announced Tuesday it plans to change its name scouting america,
In a news release, the Scouting organization explained that the rebrand reflects its “ongoing commitment to welcoming every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting.”
“Over the next 100 years, we want any young person in America to feel very, very welcome to come to our programs,” said Roger Crone, who last took over as president and chief executive officer.
The name change will be effective from February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th anniversary.
Does the Boy Scouts allow girls?
Yes, In recent years, the Boy Scouts has welcomed girls as well as LGBTQ+ youth and leaders. LGBTQ+ youth were allowed to join in 2013, with the ban on LGBTQ+ leaders ending in 2015. Then in 2017, the Boy Scouts announced that girls would be accepted into Cub Scouts the following year, and into a separate Scouts division in 2019. In 2021, the first group of nearly 1,000 girls and young women from across the country achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
However, the changes did not come without opposition. In 2018, the Girl Scouts of the United States filed a trademark infringement lawsuit. The Girl Scouts feared that the new language would create confusion and further marginalize the group.
2018 name change:Girl Scouts sue Boy Scouts over attempt to rebrand themselves as ‘Scouts’
After a judge determined that no trademark infringement had occurred, the two organizations reached a settlement agreement stating that both were allowed to use language such as “Scout” and “Scouting”.
Boy Scouts have been accused of sexual abuse
The name change from Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America comes in the wake of scandals and turmoil at the organization, including lawsuits from former Scouts claiming sexual abuse.
However, those changes did not prevent financial troubles for the organization. In 2020, amid declining membership and ongoing child sexual abuse allegations, the organization filed for bankruptcy. Last year, the organization agreed to pay $2.46 billion to settle sexual abuse claims by former Boy Scouts.
According to the organization, more than 130 million Americans have participated in Scouting programs since its founding in 1910, and more than 2.75 million young adults have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout to date.
—USA TODAY reporter Emily DeLater contributed to this report.
