From: Ken Faris (kfaris@FLASH.NET)
Date: Wed Sep 06 2000 - 22:25:54 CDT
I did write a message to the Levi Strauss Company about their policy
regarding the BSA. I expressed my personal regret at there decision. The
following is their reply back to me. What I found to be interesting was
that they no longer contribute to the BSA because our "religious" policy is
also discriminatory. I just thought some of you might like to read it. I
am not stepping into the debates that have been "raging" now for several
days ;-) I respect their position, (even though I disagree), and they
respect my position, (even though they disagree). I find myself many times
when I am reading postings from the list agreeing on some points and
disagreeing on other points with each and every one of you out there. I'm
just glad that we can agree and disagree, yet still persevere together in
the movement that we all call Scouting. My only provoking thought might be
this--Are we getting so wrapped up in these "emotionally provocative" topics
that we are loosing some sight of the normal "How-To Scouting?" type
questions that have been customarily asked and answered on this list? Let's
take a look at our Troop, Pack, or other program, and see if we don't have
some questions that the list can answer that will help us all deliver a
better program.
Respectfully, YiS,
Ken Faris
Palestine, Texas
-----Original Message-----
From: questions@levi.com [mailto:questions@levi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2000 11:25 AM
To: kfaris@flash.net
Subject: RE: Public Relations Feedback (from Human Re
Dear Kenneth:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the charitable
contribution policy of Levi Strauss & Co. and the Levi Strauss
Foundation. Customer feedback is very important to us and we
appreciate your taking the time to express your opinions about
this issue.
LS&CO. has an established commitment to nondiscrimination
policies and practices based on the Company's core values and
respect for individual freedoms. In accordance with this
philosophy, our Foundation provides support to organizations
which do not discriminate on the basis of age, political
affiliation, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or
religious belief.
The Boy Scouts of America has confirmed that their
membership criteria is in conflict with our grant making policies
of nondiscrimination on the basis of religious belief and sexual
orientation. Accordingly, LS&CO. and the Foundation can no
longer fund the Boy Scouts of America.
We recognize the valuable contributions Boy Scout programs
have made to millions of young men. It is not our intention or
goal to be punitive or to force the Boy Scouts -- or any other
organization -- to change its policies to comply with our funding
guidelines. LS&CO. employees are welcome to volunteer their
personal time and resources to any organization they choose,
including the Boy Scouts of America.
We value your comments and feedback and will be passing
them on to senior management for their review and
information.
Sincerely,
Cynthia
Levi Strauss & Co
cynbur1851210
