InquisitiveScouter

SECTION 2. Clause 1. The Judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;—to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;—to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;—to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State; between Citizens of different States,—between Citizens of the same State claiming Land under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. So, yes.... applies nation-wide. A SCOTUS ruling is the "law of the land". As examples, Brown v. Board of Education, and Miranda v. Arizona. Enjoy

SCOTUS just ruled on this... Mirabella v Bonta https://www.aalrr.com/newsroom-alerts-4207 That is now prohibited in government, as it violates parents' rights.

I served Scouting multiple decades without that recognition. Later in life, I was blessed with success in the markets and large retirement pension, and so made a donation to our local council endowment. Was awarded SB that same year. Coincidence?

No... just Google, but the response does use an AI assist. None of that was legal advice, btw. That is an outline of what civil law suits could be brought and how they would be looked at. Nothing about that tells a client what to do. The only advice I gave to @FireStone was "I urge you to let the parents in your unit know (tactfully and discreetly) if there is a transgender child in the Troop, and allow them to decide the best course of action for their own child." Which is what any reasonable person should do. And you do not need a law degree to be a reasonable person.

Clearly stated "check with legal counsel in your state."

I just re-read this and saw the blurb above, too... National has issued no clarification on registration policy. No mention of it here: https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/scouting-america-statement-concerning-department-of-war-announcement/ Now, would someone please explain what this gobbledygook means? "Memorializing our existing practices for membership registration and safeguarding youth"(This from the email we all got on 27 Feb.) Here is the current registration policy, "It is the philosophy of Scouting to welcome all eligible youth, regardless of gender, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or gender identification, who are willing to accept Scouting’s values and meet any other requirements of membership." https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Rules_Regulations_NEB-Approved-10.28.2025.pdf -------------------------- However, it seems Hegseth came away from the agreement with National with a different perception of what they had agreed upon... 3. “Scouting America will modify its policy to make clear that membership will be based solely on biological sex at birth and not gender identity. That means that the application, any application, will have only two sex designations, male and female. The application must match the applicant’s birth certificate. The secretary noted, “Scouting will also make clear that biological boys and girls will not be allowed to occupy or share intimate spaces together. Toilets, showers, tents, anywhere like that.” https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/can-scouting-america-be-trusted/ Watch the video link, particularly at timestamp 3:47. Over the weekend, the article says, Krone took a different tack... If Scouting America does not make those policy modifications, look for more pressure "...in the next six months." Here's an AP article also: https://apnews.com/article/scouting-america-pentagon-military-boy-scouts-14a5fc1521fcd1e51103638f6f504214

Google is your friend... and so is your legal counsel. Key in on "negligence and failure to supervise" in the results below. Exposure could be ruled as abuse in many states. YMMV. Again, check with legal counsel in your state. As it would most likely be a civil case, there'd be a jury. So, it would ultimately be up to them. I underlined a pertinent point in there... I wholeheartedly believe a jury would see it as unreasonable on your part that you did not inform the minor's parents about the situation before any "damage" was done. I urge you to let the parents in your unit know (tactfully and discreetly) if there is a transgender child in the Troop, and allow them to decide the best course of action for their own child. ----------------------------------------------------------- Who Can Be Held Liable in These Cases? If a child was abused by another child, most state laws allow a civil claim against the people or organizations that had a duty to protect them. These third-party claims focus on negligence and failure to supervise. Potential defendants may include: Parents or legal guardians of the offending child If the parents knew their child posed a risk and failed to intervene, they may be held liable for failing to properly supervise or control their child’s behavior. Schools or teachers If the abuse happened at school or during school-related activities, the district may be liable for failing to supervise students, ignoring red flags, or allowing risky situations to occur. Daycare providers or babysitters These individuals and facilities have a legal duty to monitor children in their care. Allowing unsupervised contact, ignoring warning signs, or failing to act on complaints can result in civil liability. Churches, camps, or youth programs Any organization that oversees group activities for children must ensure that their staff follow clear guidelines for supervision and safety. Failing to separate children with behavioral issues or allowing unsafe environments may be grounds for a lawsuit. Therapists or counselors In rare cases, a professional who knew about harmful behaviors but did not report or address them may also face liability. What Must Be Proven in a Civil Claim? To succeed in a civil case involving peer-to-peer abuse, the legal team must show that the defendant acted negligently. This means proving that they failed to act in a way that a reasonable person or organization would have under similar circumstances. Examples of negligence may include: Leaving children unsupervised in restrooms, locker rooms, or private areas Ignoring reports or behavioral red flags about a child’s aggressive or sexual conduct Failing to separate children after an initial incident Not following school or program safety policies Failing to notify parents or law enforcement after a report Each case depends on the specific facts, including the age of the children involved, the setting, and whether adults had an opportunity to intervene. How Are These Cases Handled in Court? Courts treat these cases with care and seriousness. The goal is to protect the survivor while examining whether any adult or institution failed in their duty to provide a safe environment. Most civil cases involving minors are handled confidentially. Protective orders may be issued to keep the names of the children private. If the case moves forward, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the survivor’s best interests. Damages in these cases can include: Medical and mental health treatment Emotional pain and suffering Educational support or school changes Long-term therapy or trauma recovery services Punitive damages in cases of severe negligence Can These Cases Be Resolved Without a Trial? Yes. Many civil cases involving child abuse settle out of court. This can provide families with a resolution that includes financial support, institutional changes, or formal apologies without requiring a full trial. Attorneys works with families to decide the best course of action. Some prefer to pursue a public case to raise awareness, while others seek a private resolution focused on healing. Taking Action After Peer-to-Peer Abuse If your child has been harmed by another child, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take next. These situations are emotionally complex and often come with a mix of shock, confusion, anger, and grief. Parents may question how this could happen, whether anyone noticed warning signs, and what can be done to protect their child moving forward. In many cases, families also struggle with silence. Schools, camps, or organizations may downplay the incident or attempt to resolve the matter quietly. Meanwhile, your child may be dealing with trauma, fear, or shame that makes it difficult for them to talk about what happened. You may feel alone in advocating for their safety and healing.

Here is my motive: I have my own opinions, but I would never foist them on the rest of the Troop. In January 2017, when BSA said they would allow transgender boys in the program, we presented the issue to the Chartered Organization (CO). The CO (in their regular meeting with the Institution Head (IH)) said they would fully support allowing transgender boys in Troop, but they left the decision up to the parents and the leaders who are doing the job. We then had an "all hands" meeting with parents. About 35 attended, out of 70ish. We presented the choice to them, and the decision was unanimous... we would not accept transgender boys into the Troop, as this did not align with the way they wanted their boys raised and educated. (In back room discussions, several families let me know that if the group chose to accept them, they would leave Scouting.) In October 2017, when the opportunity arose to create a separate girls Troop (starting 01 February 2019), we presented our CO with the option. The CO (in their regular meeting with the IH) said they would fully support a girls Troop. We then had another "all hands" meeting with parents. About 35 attended, out of 70ish (basically the same folks). We presented the choice to them of 1. Remain a boy only Troop 2. Start a girls Troop and share "committees" and gear for support 3. Keep boys and girls programs and support separate (if someone else started a girls Troop there) They chose #1. Last fall/winter, after BSA ended the "pilot" mixed Troop, and gave the option for Troops to be combined, we, once again, informed our CO of the development. Once again, the CO gave support, but deferred to the Troop adults actually doing the work, and parents whose responsibility it it to safeguard their child's upbringing. Once again, we met with parents. And, once again, they chose to remain a boy only Troop. Our parents run the spectrum from left to right. When the decisions actually "hit home", and would affect their won sons, it was amazing that, unanimously, they chose to go the way they did. Their was no dissent, and no one felt offended nor decided to leave the Troop because of these decisions. I stick to the program, and let parents make well-informed choices for their Scouts. They all appreciate the transparency, and the acknowledgement that others may believe differently. Although it has not happened, our collective approach, if a transgender boy applied to our unit, would be to welcome them to Scouting, but steer them to another Troop more suited to their situation. (And we have good rapport with that other Troop.) Our Scout Executive was perfectly fine with this approach.

Be very careful. If, Janey (who is really Jimmy) is in a tent with Jenny, and Jenny's parents do not know that Janey is Jimmy, then if Jimmy's jimmy gets seen by Jenny, then you may have a law suit on your hands. And when they subpoena your computer, this thread may be used against you for damages. You'd best inform all parents involved, and allow them to determine what is best for their youngsters.

Those slides from 2024 NAM. You'll notice the projection for end of 2025 was 1,224,000, all programs. Actual 2025 end was 907,950, so 25.8% below projected.

That was in Scouts only, not all programs. All programs 2020 was about 1 million. https://nam.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/Change-the-Way-We-Work-Together.pdf

Taking out the LFL numbers, we now have 748,061 members in all unit based programs. Last time it was that low? 1933

UPDATE: 01 March ended the grace period for those memberships which expired on 31 Dec. Those expired memberships have now dropped off the rolls. Let's look at the updated numbers now... As of 03 March, numbers pulled moments ago... Same Month Last Year: 980,311 (Mar 2025) all programs... Total Current Youth: 781,539 (Mar 2026) a 20.28% drop from last year. Last Year End: 907,950 (This is the 31 Dec 2025 number in the system.) This changed by +1 from previous reports. (weird, huh?) Dec 2024 End of Year number was: 986,520 These numbers include Learning for Life, 33,478 on the books now.

And they are watching people playing a competitive game where the best players have been selected based on their abilities. Everyone does not get to play, because everyone is not equal in that endeavor. How ironic...

This.

Review the recent history of BSA, and you can make the same statement about their other major policy changes. And all of these changes, I would argue, have not been about what is right. They have been about money. This one is no different.

No, they do not. They "lose" out on a great opportunity because most leaders neither understand nor abide by the Scout Oath and Law. In a previous discussion here, a leader, who is supposed to have a lot of time dealing with Scouting, made some of the same errant statements you have made, and showed a deep unfamiliarity with the basic values and the texts we are supposed to be teaching Scouts from. Let's not... the badge is gone. Please focus instead on the exact values, texts, and verbiage mentioned in the thread above, in the Scout Oath and Law, and their explanations in the Scout Handbook, to help the Scouts in your unit understand what they are pledging at each and every meeting (or should be). You have many many opportunities to do this through their rank advancements... You comment indicates you have a fundamental misunderstanding of the Scout Oath and Law, the rank requirements, and many other merit badges available which cover topics like these. (granted, many of those merit badges are not required for advancement) As an adult leader, you have hundreds (almost?) of opportunities throughout a Scout's "career" to address these types of issues. Yet, you abdicate your responsibility to model and develop character and citizenship to a (now defunct) merit badge which many Scouts waited until they were far along in the program to earn??? A few references: Rank requirements: Requirements 1a & 1b: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Scout-Rank.pdf and specifically, requirement 6b. With links here: https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/scouts-bsa/ (required again at Star rank) Requirements 7b & 9: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Tenderfoot-Rank.pdf Requirements 8e, 9a, 9b, & 10: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Second-Class-v2.pdf Requirements 9a, 9d, & 11: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/First-Class.pdf Requirements 2 & 6b https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Star-Rank.pdf Requirement 2: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Life-Rank.pdf See page 21, Requirement 2: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3321625-Scouts-BSA-Requirements.pdf (oddly enough, no direct link to Eagle requirements, but they are there in the Requirements Book) Requirement 1: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eagle-Palms.pdf ---------------------------- Eagle required Merit Badges: Family Life, 6b2: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/family-life/ Citizenship in the Community: 1, 3b, 5 & 8: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-community/ Citizenship in the Nation: 4b: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-nation/ Citizenship in the World: 1, 2, and some of 7: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-world/ Communication: 1b & c, & 5: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/communication/ ------------------------------------------------------------- And sprinkled into some of these electives: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/disabilities-awareness/ https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/american-cultures/ https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/cybersecurity/ https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/crime-prevention/ And, using your logic, I will rephrase your statement: "This is why I feel Scouting America's executive leadership has sold out to the current DEI Movement. By adding Citizenship in Society merit badge -- and not highlighting that these ideas are fundamental to the Scout Oath and Law, and deeply inherent in our program, the Scouting America leadership has effectively stated that our existing program and the requirements we have painstakingly developed HAVE NO MERIT. And that's just wrong." If BSA was serious about this, way back then, instead of trying to spring into the fray of virtue signaling, they would have made this a requirement for joining, or for earning Scout rank.

I wanted to agree with you, but then we both would have been wrong. You stated "empathy is not part of the Scout Oath or Scout law. Putting ones self in the position of another to understand theater point of view is an example of a mature and well reasoned leader and individual. No where else is that in what is required in scouting. Nor is tolerance in the Scout Oath or Law. Tolerance for the fact not everyone see things the same way, based on their background, education, or opportunities. " Your statement showed, at best, complete ignorance of what the Scout Oath and Law mean. Or, at worst, incompetence, stupidity or malice.... I chose to see your statements as a result of the former. You can reply however you wish, Chief. I attempted to make no case. I appealed to the source. The Scout Oath and Law, and their explanations in the Scout Handbook made their own case, which you should have known and been intimately familiar with before you said something like "...empathy is not part of the Scout Oath or Scout law." and the rest of your non sequiturs.

Or all the above??

Please read (for the first time, or re-read...) your Scout Handbook: "A Scout is friendly. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races, religions and nations, and he respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own." "A Scout is courteous. A Scout is polite to people of all ages and positions. He understands that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. Being courteous shows that you are aware of the feelings of others. ..." "A Scout is kind. A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He knows there is strength in being gentle. He does not harm or kill any living thing without good reason. Kindness is a sign of true strength. To be kind, you must look beyond yourself, and try to understand the needs of others. Take time to listen to people and imagine being in their place. Extending kindness to those around you and having compassion for all people is a powerful agent of change to a more peaceful world." "A Scout is brave. A Scout faces danger even if he is afraid. He does the right thing even when doing the wrong thing or doing nothing would be easier. Bravery doesn't have to mean saving someone's life at risk to your own. While that is definitely brave, you are also being brave when you speak up to stop someone from being bullied or when you do what is right in spite of what others say. You are brave when you speak the truth and when you admit a mistake and apologize for it. And you show true courage when you defend the rights of others." "A Scout is clean. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He chooses friends who also live by high standards. He avoids profanity and pornography. He helps keep his home and community clean. A Scout knows there is no kindness or honor in tasteless behavior, such as using profanity or ethnic slurs, or in making fun of someone who has a disability. He keeps his character clean by carefully monitoring what he views on television and the Internet or reads in books and magazines." " A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent towards God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. Wonders all around us remind us of our faith in God, and we show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs. You will encounter people expressing their reverence in many ways. It is your duty to respect and defend their rights to their religious beliefs even if they differ from your own." Empathy is woven into each of these, as is tolerance. You can only be confused if you are unfamiliar with these parts of the Scout Law and Scout Oath (where you promise you will obey the Scout Law) and their explanations. And discussing them and how you have lived them is a part of EVERY step of advancement along the trail to Eagle. Get with the program, bro.

Not true... I had several Scouts who already had enough optional merit badges to satisfy their Eagle requirements, and then had this additional Eagle requirement imposed upon them. They were not happy. I have had zero complaints from any parents.

I have no problem with having the Merit Badge. I did have a few issues when this all started: 1. It was a knee-jerk reaction to the George Floyd episode. Without having all the facts about what happened, BSA glommed onto the hysteria that developed in our country. And, in doing so, I think BSA diminished the standing of Scouting in the eyes of most. 2. The original leaked requirements were ideologically (and thus politically) charged agendas, and not appropriate for Scouting. These were, thankfully, revised to the current product. 3. They could have taken the revised requirements and sprinkled them into other existing merit badges or rank requirements. Or simply expounded upon current requirements in the program which, if emphasized, would address the issues at hand in a more fulsome manner. Were the real issues at hand getting watered down in other aspects of BSA's program? Yes. But, there was no need to create a new merit badge. And, in doing so, (creating a new badge), the real message BSA sent was that our program was not sufficient, and that it somehow had to change. Bad message, in my book. 4. They made it required to become an Eagle Scout. Again, the hidden message in doing this was that the Scout Oath and the Scout Law were not good enough. I count it a great victory for common sense that this has been axed. As a counselor, I, too, guided many Scouts through this, and made it a worthwhile endeavor for them to focus on some issues that all societies face, and how we as Scouts and Americans can help to strive for a "more perfect Union." I'm going to have a beer to celebrate. P.S. I would support keeping it as an optional badge, with a name change...

Agree with that line of thinking... make it an honor to be earned & recognized for again, and make senior patrols of OA Scouts in units the centerpiece ... with emphasis on unit and community service. There is too much emphasis on serving the Lodge, rather than serving your unit or the community. So much so, that the Lodge and the OA have become a self-licking ice cream cone (yes, I've used that phrase before...) That is, for most of the Lodges I have seen since the early 2000's, the Lodge exists to serve itself. This is one avenue where the OA has gone wrong... Hopefully, some of you out there have vastly different experiences.

Difficult to find any new policy stuff regarding adult camping on any official websites. Apparently, an email with this verbiage went out to Lodge leaders around mid-January: (Underline emphasis added.) ------------------------ As a lodge leader, you play a vital role in creating exciting and welcoming experiences that keep Scouts engaged in the OA. This year, we're introducing significant updates to our induction weekend and membership requirements, changes designed to ensure that new Arrowmen feel deeply connected to their fellow Scouts and leave their induction energized to return to your next lodge event. Induction Updates The Order of the Arrow has created transformative experiences for over a century. We're evolving our induction to ensure today's Scouts continue forging real connections, discovering what Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service mean in their lives, and beginning journeys they'll carry forward for years. To align with that vision, we've redesigned the induction experience to create a welcoming environment to emphasize the connections new members build during the induction weekend and leave energized to participate in your next lodge event. The best way to understand the changes to the induction is to experience it yourself at an induction event put on by your section or lodge. What's Staying the Same? Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service still guide everything we do. The induction weekend remains a serious, meaningful milestone in a Scout or Scouter's journey. Service is still a core component of the induction weekend. The Admonition, "To Love One Another," continues to anchor our purpose. What's Changing? We're strengthening how Scouts experience and understand the values the OA teaches. New members engage in guided reflection and meaningful discussions. Silence still has its place for reflection, but the weekend now prioritizes building the connections that make Scouts want to return. Several experiences have been added to create a shared understanding of what our values truly mean in action. The guide for each group, now called a Luminary, will take on an enhanced role in facilitating these transformative moments, helping new members discover their place in our brotherhood from the very beginning. What’s Happening Next? Watch the Campfire Chat: A recording of Sunday evening's Campfire Chat with our national leadership can be found on our YouTube channel. The Induction Experience: Existing Arrowmen have the opportunity to build a shared understanding by going through the new induction before the lodge offers it to new members. Your section will play a key role in offering an event in your area to attend and experience the new induction themselves. Dates for these events are being finalized and will be shared in early February. We encourage all Arrowmen to experience the new induction as a participant. Practice With Existing Members: Lodges will share the induction experience with existing members at least once before offering it to new members. Support: You'll have resources at your disposal: on demand videos and guides to supplement the Induction Handbook. In addition to webinars and concierge-style support from trained induction staff to help you succeed. More information about this support will be shared in late March 2026. Keep an eye on the OA Website for more details. We're counting on you to help bring this vision of the induction to life. Step one? Go experience it. We'll see you at your section or lodges induction experience. Membership Requirements Updates We are also updating our membership requirements to allow more opportunities for Scouts and Scouters to be elected into the Order of the Arrow and participate in our program. We're expanding election opportunities beyond traditional units to include council-recognized Scouting America groups like staff for summer camp and NYLT, council high adventure contingents, and jamboree troops. Nearly a third of units don't hold elections, and every eligible Scout deserves a pathway to membership regardless of unit circumstances. The camping requirement for adults has been removed. This change recognizes that many adults who would be valuable resources to the Order face professional or family responsibilities that make youth-oriented camping requirements challenging, and lodges need a broader pool of qualified adults to support youth leadership and meet safeguarding policies. These changes ensure that today's Scouts, and the adults who support them, have additional pathways to OA membership. We are working through how to best support lodges implementing the expansion of unit elections and will share more in the coming months. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anyone receive this?

Madness