An online petition is calling for the Boy Scouts of America to reverse its planned name change.
On May 7, the organization announced a plan to change its name to Scouting America, which it said would reflect "the organization's ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting." The name change, which is expected to go into effect on February 8, 2025—coinciding with the organization's 115th anniversary—sparked fierce backlash on social media.
A "Save Boy Scouts" petition on Change.org was among the immediate reactions to the planned name change. At the time of writing, the petition, which launched Tuesday, had 86 signatures and a goal of 100.
"As a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, I am deeply concerned about the proposed name change to 'Scouting America,'" the petition said. "The Boy Scouts have been an integral part of American society since 1910, shaping millions of young men into responsible citizens and leaders. The original name carries with it a rich history and tradition that should not be erased."
It continued: "We urge those in power to reconsider this decision and respect the heritage that has made us who we are today. Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving the original name 'Boy Scouts of America.'"
In the press release announcing the name change, the Boy Scouts of America said: "This announcement also comes as the organization celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Scouting America currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including over 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout."
Roger A. Krone, the organization's president and chief executive officer, said in the announcement that despite the name change, the group's mission would remain "unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be Prepared. For Life."
"This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting," Krone added.
Newsweek has contacted the Boys Scouts of America for comment via email.
The organization faced widespread criticism following the announcement, with some social media users saying it had been "destroyed by wokeness."
On X, formerly Twitter, the Gays Against Groomers organization responded to the name change, writing: "We're very disappointed to see Boy Scouts of America succumb to pressures of woke gender ideology by rebranding as 'Scouting America.' This isn't inclusivity, this is the destabilization of children's identities. It is blatant denial of the natural difference between boys and girls. Boys deserve their own spaces just as much as girls do, not blurred lines. Sad and disheartening to witness."
In a post on Facebook, conservative commentator Matt Walsh said: "Goodbye, Boy Scouts of America. You spineless cowards."
The X account @EndWokeness commented on the name change, saying: "Another iconic institution killed at the hands of wokeness. Beyond pathetic."
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Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more
