Boy Scouts of America files for bankruptcy after hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits surface

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is a youth organization that brings young boys across the nation together to learn important principles and survival skills. Over the course of one hundred and ten years, the BSA have tried their best to uphold their mission statement: To “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” With about 2.3 million youth participants and 1 million adult volunteers, it was one of the largest youth organizations in the world. Families all over the country would send their boys off for camping trips, training exercises, mentoring sessions, and more every week. 

Although the organization accomplished a lot to help children grow into honorable, morally sound adults, unfortunately, the adult volunteer section was taken advantage of by sex abusers. In recent years, victims of sex abuse have been encouraged to come forward and seek justice. The BSA upholds this notion, stating that “We believe victims, we support them, we pay for counseling by a provider of their choice and we encourage them to come forward. It is the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) policy that all incidents of suspected abuse are reported to law enforcement,” From 1944 to 2016, more than 12,000 alleged victims were identified by the BSA, while more than 7,800 former leaders were identified as abusers. Of course, these numbers likely do not represent the true number of abusers and victims, as data shows that a majority of sexual abuse victims do not come forward. 

As a way to take responsibility, the organization chose to file for bankruptcy in February of 2020. However, many see this as a way for the organization to duck responsibility, as hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits have now been suspended due to bankruptcy. Trying to move forward, the organization named a new president, a former Scout himself, who has taken steps to ensure that the BSA takes responsibility for all who were harmed over the years. New policies, compensation and support for victims, partnerships with organizations like 1inf6, which advocates for male survivors of sex abuse, and other actions have been imposed in efforts to show the world that the BSA is moving forward. 

Featured Image — Boy Scouts salute as they look to their mentors for guidance and leadership Courtesy of KHQA

by Brendan Wang