Boy Scouts Generate Fierce Backlash After Announcing “Woke” Name Change

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The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has announced a controversial decision to change its name to Scouting America on its 115th anniversary in 2025, sparking intense debate and widespread opposition across social media platforms.

The organization, which has been an institution in American society for over a century, is attempting to rebrand itself as a more inclusive entity in the wake of declining membership and the aftermath of a sexual abuse scandal that led to bankruptcy.

The BSA’s move to change its name and welcome girls into its ranks has generated fierce backlash online, with the vast majority of people expressing their disapproval and frustration with the organizations “woke” direction.

Many critics argue that the Boy Scouts should remain a space dedicated to the growth and development of boys, just as the Girl Scouts provides a unique experience for girls.

They believe that the BSA’s attempt to appease a broader audience by going “woke” will ultimately lead to the erosion of its core values and mission.

One of the driving factors behind the BSA’s rebranding effort is the $2.46 billion settlement it agreed to pay to roughly 82,000 former Boy Scouts who alleged sexual abuse by BSA officials and volunteers.

The bankruptcy reorganization plan, which took effect last year, has allowed the organization to continue operating, but the financial burden and reputational damage have taken a significant toll on its membership numbers.

Roger A. Krone, the president and CEO of BSA, has defended the name change, stating, “Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be prepared for life.” However, this sentiment has done little to quell the growing opposition to the organization’s new direction.

The BSA has undergone significant changes in recent years, such as allowing gay youth to join in 2013, ending the ban on gay adult leaders in 2015, and accepting girls into the Cub Scouts and the flagship Boy Scout program in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

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While these changes were intended to boost inclusivity and membership, they have instead contributed to the decline in numbers, with the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbating the issue.

Many people believe that the BSA will never see membership numbers near its peak of 5 million in 1972, or even the pre-pandemic level of around 2 million.

The organization’s attempt to be more inclusive by accepting girls and changing its name to Scouting America is seen by many as a misguided effort that will alienate its traditional base and fail to attract new members.

The Boy Scouts of America has a storied history dating back to 1910, when Chicago publisher William Boyce brought the movement to the U.S. after being inspired by a Boy Scout in London who refused payment for a good deed.

However, the organization’s decision to prioritize political correctness over its original purpose has drawn sharp criticism from people across the political spectrum, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval and call for a return to the BSA’s traditional values.

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As the backlash against the Boy Scouts of America’s name change continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether the organization will be able to weather this latest storm and regain its relevance in American society.