p01 - BSA Addresses Identity

For Immediate Release

BSA Addresses Gender Identity

Baton Rouge, Louisiana; January 31st, 2017

Families of the Istrouma Area Council,

As you are now aware, starting today, the Boy Scouts of America will accept registration in our Scouting programs based on the gender identity provided on an individual’s application, which may not necessarily be the same as on their birth certificate. Our Council will help facilitate locating units that can provide for the welfare and best interest of the child.

As stated in the recent Boy Scouts of America’s Press Release:

“The BSA does not have a policy on transgender youth. For more than 100 years, the BSA, along with schools, youth sports and other youth organizations, have ultimately deferred to the information documented on an individuals’ birth certificate to determine eligibility for our single-gender programs, such as Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.  However, that approach is no longer sufficient as communities and state laws are interpreting gender identity differently, and these laws vary widely from state to state.”

“Chartered organizations will be allowed to determine eligibility, and as with all Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops, volunteer leadership of each unit determines their ability to provide a safe and effective program for the youth who seek membership”.

The Boy Scouts of America oversee Scouting all over the world. BSA is trying to address an evolving issue for which there is no one-size-fits-all answer. BSA mentioned that the laws regarding transgender individuals vary greatly from state to state. The Istrouma Area Council will continue to follow the laws of the state of Louisiana and provide a youth development program that encourages young people to make moral and ethical decisions over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Sexuality is not a part of the Scouting curriculum.

For those who are struggling with this issue, please remember that we are still providing the values -based program that we were yesterday. The program is not changing. When Scouting started it was just for boys and young men. Now, we have programs that include girls in our Venturing Crews and Exploring Posts. Yet, the fundamentals of Scouting remain the same - to develop youth of strong character and good citizenship who will become tomorrow’s leaders. Istrouma Area Council will continue to focus on the core values of Scouting and, together with you…our Scouting families….we will work diligently to build “Character in our Council”.

For more information please visit:

http://scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/bsa-addresses-gender-identity/?utm_source=scoutinglink

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The Istrouma Area Council, (IAC) serves 13 parishes in Louisiana and Wilkinson County, Mississippi. We provide a quality Scouting program to more than 7,600 co-ed youth. Over 2,911 adult volunteers support 285 Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews and Exploring Posts.

It is the mission of the Istrouma Area Council, Boys Scouts of America, to build character, citizenship and total fitness while preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over the course of their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Istrouma Area Council Service Center: M-F 8:30 AM-5:30 PM

Istrouma Area Council Service Center: Closed on Saturday