Most people know about the Boy Scouts. Scouting can start at the age of just five going to the age of 17, in Scouting, as stated on the official Boy Scouts of America website, “Boys and girls start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. It’s fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life”. 

Boy Scouts have been around since 1910. The main purpose of scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people, help build skills like mentoring, lifelong learning, faith traditions, serving others, healthy living, and building character. Along with these skills a person can learn basic survival and other outdoor skills.

Unfortunately, The Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy(BSA) on Tuesday, February 18, after being charged with a sexual abuse lawsuit. There has been a total of 800 cases of sexual abuse made against the BSA. These claims have all happened over the span of several different decades. With this lawsuit, the BSA has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which according to news website NPR, “Chapter 11 usually involves the debtor making a reorganization plan to keep its business alive and pay its creditors over time.” 

Many people were not happy with the BSA filing for bankruptcy because it “went against the Boy Scout honor code.” The reasoning for this statement is because by filing for bankruptcy the victims of these sexual abuse claims are getting paid less than what they would have gotten without the bankruptcy.  These people would be getting paid to compensate for the trauma and pain that has been caused by the sexual abuse they received from their counselors at a young age.

On the other hand, some believe that it actually goes with the Boy Scouts honor code. Claiming that they are owning up to their failures in order to find a way to help repay victims and support the organization’s finances. 

People are still in debate over which claim is true, but the BSA claims, in an official statement on their website, “We filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to ensure that victims of past abuse in Scouting are equitably compensated,”  Jim Turley, the national chairman of the Boy Scouts of America, said, “I am outraged that individuals took advantage of our programs to commit these heinous acts.”

Though the BSA has filed for bankruptcy, it is still in the process of being finalized. Since nothing has been made official, we can only wait and hope that those who were affected by these claims will get the justice they deserve.