Scouting America issued the following statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s announcement regarding Lujan Claimants, Petitioner v. Boy Scouts of America, et al.
“Today, the United States Supreme Court declined to consider remaining appeals to Scouting America’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan. This action by our nation’s highest court means that our plan is now final and irrevocable, and the Settlement Trust established under the reorganization plan can now expedite the payment of compensation to survivors of historical abuse. This is an important moment of healing and closure that survivors have long deserved. This U.S. Supreme Court decision culminates more than five years of dedicated collaboration among survivors, Scouting America, local councils, chartered organizations, settling insurance companies and other stakeholders, all united in a shared commitment to equitably compensate survivors while preserving Scouting’s vital mission.
The experiences and courage of survivors have fundamentally transformed Scouting. Scouting America has comprehensively evolved our programs to further enhance and reinforce our commitment to safety through strategic partnerships with law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, academic experts and leading youth-serving organizations. We have embedded knowledge and empowerment at every stage of our model — equipping young people with the awareness, confidence and support systems they need to recognize and report concerns.
Today, Scouting America is stronger and better positioned to fulfill our sacred mission. As our communities face unprecedented challenges, families need Scouting’s programs today more than ever. Young people deserve to experience all the joy, growth and lifelong friendships that Scouting has to offer — and we are committed to providing that experience with the highest standards of safety and care.
This milestone marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. The Scouting movement is poised for growth, steadfast in our unwavering commitment to youth safety and focused on our core mission: preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives.”
About Scouting America
Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”
Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than one million youth are served by 477,000 adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.
To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.