The Boy Scouts Of America Announces Rebrand To Be More Inclusive - 'Ensure That Everyone Feels Welcome'

On Tuesday, The Boy Scouts of America officially changed its name to Scouting America after years of controversy after allowing girls to join its ranks, and a lawsuit bankrupted the organization. The non-profit stated that it made the move to be more inclusive, explaining that it was part of its "ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting."

"Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be prepared for life," Scouting America CEO Roger A. Krone said in a release. This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting." The name change will officially take effect on the organization's 115th anniversary on February 8, 2025.

"Scouting America provides a welcoming, safe environment where youth can become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other," the CEO said. "I encourage everyone to join us and experience the benefits of Scouting."  

The name evolution is the culmination of years of changes to the Boy Scouts. In 2013, the organization lifted a ban on gay youth, ended a ban on gay adult volunteers in 2015, and let girls into its programs in 2019. The inclusion of girls into the organization's ranks has led to over 175,000 girls joining the organization, with over 6,000 reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, per ABC News.

The Boy Scouts have been the center of controversy in recent years after over 80,000 men alleged in a lawsuit that adults sexually abused them during their time in the organization. The case eventually settled with a $2.46 billion payout, which forced the organization into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

Throughout the organization's 114-year history, over 130 million Americans have participated in Scouting programs, with over 2.75 million reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.

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