US

Is the Boy Scouts Endorsing a Gay & Lesbian Group‘s ’No Name-Calling’ Campaign?

The Boy Scouts of America has been consistently criticized for taking stances that critics see as anti-gay. But reports that the organization may be throwing its support behind the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) “No Name-Calling Week,” may help to temper this perception.

Boy Scouts Allegedly Endorse Gay Groups No Name Calling Campaign

According to the campaign’s website, “The project seeks to focus national attention on the problem of name-calling in schools, and to provide students and educators with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate name-calling in their communities.” Among other issues, eradicating harassment of individuals over anything, including their sexual orientation, is at the root of the campaign.

(Related: VA Catholic Church Bans Girl Scouts Over Alleged Planned Parenthood Connection)

In a post on the “Bryan on Scouting” blog, Bryan Wendell, senior editor of Scouting magazine (an official publication of the Boy Scouts), took on the issue of name-calling and stated support for GLSEN’s initiative. On Monday, Wendell wrote:

Idiot! Retard! Geek!

Has a Scout in your unit called another Scout one of these names—or worse? If so, did you take action?

No Name-Calling Week begins today, so it’s an excellent time to remind Scouts and Scouters that these “harmless” insults can do real damage to a boy or girl.

Boy Scouts Allegedly Endorse Gay Groups No Name Calling Campaign

Screen shot from "Bryan on Scouting"

The post goes on to share some tips on how handle name-calling if and when it occurs. Most of the information, of course, focuses on the grander scale of name-calling. Nowhere in the post is GLSEN or the word “gay” mentioned. Instead, the general sentiment of fighting against bullying and name-calling is heralded.

The Huffington Post discusses why this may be regarded as a major step in the eyes of Boy Scouts critics:

Though it may seem minor, embracing a pro-LGBT organization’s event is likely to be viewed as a considerably progressive step for Boy Scouts given its checkered history with such affairs. Many advocates have long been outraged by what they have deemed as the organization’s explicit anti-gay policy, which allegedly bars openly gay members from participating as troop members or leaders.

“I’m delighted the Boy Scouts of America’s official publication is calling on its adult leaders to join with the tens of thousands of educators and other youth-serving professionals who are currently observing No Name-Calling Week in order to improve the lives of millions of youth,” GLSEN’S Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard said in a statement.

However, she went on to claim that the Boy Scouts need to do more to counteract the “overwhelmingly negative messages sent to scouts” regarding gays and lesbians.

Regardless of any negative feelings that still exist as a result of organizational policies, GLSEN thanked the Boy Scouts for its support on the group’s Facebook page as well:

Boy Scouts Allegedly Endorse Gay Groups No Name Calling Campaign

While many assume that the Boy Scouts endorsed this movement, there’s no definitive indication that this is the case. It’s possible that Wendell didn’t realize the connection to GLSEN. Or, if he did, it‘s possible there wasn’t clearance for his post, especially considering where the Boy Scouts typically stands on related subjects.

In another scenario, it could be that the Scouts simply wanted to support an effort aimed against any and all name-calling. Either way, it’s an intriguing development to say the least.

(H/T: Perezitos)

Comments (93)

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  • wordweaver
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:30pm

    The BSA can endorse a movement to combat bullying without endorsing the homosexual social agenda. Fear not, they will not embrace that. If they do, they will soon go the way of the Girl Scouts, which is downhill fast. I don’t see it happening. We can all agree to stand up against name-calling and bullying behaviors. That is certainly consistent with BSA values.

    Report Post » wordweaver  
    • sooner12
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 10:23pm

      If a bunch a gay kids wish to organize a troupe(or whatever it is called) have them organize their OWN troupe so they may frollick in the woods on their own.

      Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 1:09am

      Indoctrination – right out of the Obama play book – I guess next we will have Eagle Scouts saying this is a good thing – No it isn’t read the Bible “it is an abomination” it is Sin, it is wrong – teach that! The BS have been trying to wissle gays in for years – Learn from Penn State – stop trying to make a wrong a right!

      Report Post » db321  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 2:12am

      I think it’s a good thing
      Name calling can and does hurt people.
      So I will never call a ****. gay again….

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 2:20am

      OK is Gaymosexuall a word

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
    • TaraR42
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 6:38am

      We had our grandson in Scouts for just a few weeks and took him out it…. Scouting today is not like it was 5, 10 or even 15 years ago….

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 9:12am

      Please tell me this report is a joke. A breaking, investigative report that the BSA might be supporting a stop name calling week. Let’s be clear that respecting other individuals and not displaying extreme ignorance and infantile behavior by calling others names is not inconsistent with scouting. Unless this is one of the typical set up reports, meaning there is another one that alleges the allowing of gays in the BS, the slant and intention of the report has to be a joke.

       
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 10:57am

      The BSA will go straight downhill just like the Girl Scouts. Meaning the BSA will throw all of the ideals that made them Boy Scouts. Eventually liberals will consume this noble organization, and turn it into an organization that caters to everybody. I don’t understand how 5% of the population has the right to change everything the other 95% has created. I was in the Boy Scouts for a number of years and made it as high as Star rank. I can only imagine the hell our troop would have been put through had some queer little boy and his parents forced their screwed up existence on the rest of us. The Boy Scout experience would have been tainted by this extremely selfish lot as it is being done today. Pretty soon BSA will be remade into some liberal ********’s dream org, and the people who’s ideals fit the old Boy Scouts will have no place to go. What a shame it is to see a once noble and moral organization throw away their ideals for the smallest most selfish group in the political arena, the gay 5%.

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:09am

      Ye, god forbid you call a ****….a ****,qu**r,or fa*.. If you don‘t like the title then don’t pick it up.
      Those aren‘t slanderous terms or bigotted smears they’re just different ways to say the truth. Freedom of speech is b**ch when you want to control or spin the truth.

      Report Post »  
    • cwgmpls
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:26am

      If you think the Girl Scouts have gone “downhill fast”, then Boy Scouts must be in serious trouble. From 2000 to 2010, Girl Scout membership in the U.S. has dropped from 2.7 million to 2.3 million, a drop of about 15%. But Boy Scout membership over the same period has plummeted from 5.0 million to 2.7 million, a 46% drop.

      If the guys down in Irving care about Scouting in the U.S., I hope they are paying attention to the Girl Scouts and trying to figure out what is working for the girls that is not working for BSA.

      Report Post »  
    • Jedidavid
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 1:19pm

      @cwgmpls BSA membership is down because boys have to actually do things. Rather than play videogames. I’m a patrol Leader for 11 year olds, we just had a campout and did a 5 mile hike. (in AZ, it was a beautiful day) The dads were able to last longer than the boys. There are too many single mother families that are not teaching boys how to be men.

      I am an Eagle Scout, the problem is not in the oprganization, but in the boys and the world.

      Report Post » Jedidavid  
  • ohioradioman
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:25pm

    The BSA tolerate bullying or name calling of ANY kind. This applies to any derogatory statements made by leaders and boys. Someone mentioned morally straight, which is part of the Scout Law, the “Trustworthy, Loyal, …. is the Oath. Now as far as the Morally Straight part, yes, this applies to sexuality… It ALSO applies to name calling and bullying. It IS morally wrong to bully or name call. It is not a good show of character and is UNACCEPTABLE behavior for a scout or a scout leader. This is not a PC thing for scouting, it’s a morality thing. There is a difference.

    The fact that this is being put forward during the push from GLSEN during the same week that is set forth to stop name calling and bullying is no accident. And it IS related. It is related to the fact that the BSA finds bullying or name calling of ANYONE unacceptable. GLSEN is doing it for the same reason, but they are being specific to folks that have alternate sexual preferences. Being gay, black, Mexican, mentally challenged or different makes you what you are. And you are a person, a gay person, a black person or what ever. We are all different. Being gay will keep you from being a Scout leader, but it will NEVER get a scout to refer to you as being a queer. Or be bullied by a Scout for being gay. We don’t need a week to remember to not call people names, we live by a code that forbids it.

    Report Post »  
    • Marine25
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:57pm

      Very well said.

      Report Post »  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 10:24pm

      @OHIORADIOMAN
      Well said, except you have it backwards.

      “Someone mentioned morally straight, which is part of the Scout Law, the “Trustworthy, Loyal, …. is the Oath”

      Other-way around,
      The LAW is “Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, etc..“ the OATH is ”On my honor… physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

      But yeah, I think it’s sad that they BSA would discriminate on sexual preference, but it is their right to do so and I don’t think any less of the teachings the organization instills in our kids because of it. I just wish homosexual kids could have the same life changing experiences.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • idarusskie
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 7:26am

      13 year old kids never call each other names.

      Report Post »  
    • jasmer
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 7:44am

      @VOTEBUSH – the reason the BSA would “discriminate” over sexual preference is because it’s a behavioral issue. They don’t tolerate queer or criminal leadership either, there’s no drinking allowed, no political bias (though the core issue of preparedness and self-sufficiency is obviously anti-Progressive in nature).

      Scouting changed in the past 30 years. However, despite the politically correct influences, it’s still the best (if not only) game in town for instilling American morals for future young men.

      It saddens me that people think sports are a better alternative…

      Report Post »  
    • cwgmpls
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:00am

      Isn’t calling someone “not morally straight” without knowing anything about that individual’s behavior or character a form a name-calling?

      Report Post »  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:18am

      I feel it is morally irresponsible for queers to force their way of life on an organization that has always condemned this way of life. But that 5% of the population is going to get its way. Why? Because they are hurting that 5%‘s feelings because they aren’t welcome. Boo hoo. That screwed up 5% needs to make up their own camping groups filled with little queers. That way they can have the little boys camp in tents together and they can get a head start playing with each others private parts. And lets not forget the Gay Scout Master, I‘m sure he’ll have lots of FUN oh yea! The whole idea of letting gays into the BSA make me cringe, and I would never let my child into an organization that would force them to accept gay ideals. No Name Calling Campaign MY ASS.

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
  • wmmcpherson
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:23pm

    I am an Eagle Scout. I have been a Scout Master and Cub Master off and on for 20 years. I currently have 2 of my own sons in Boy Scouts. I don’t have a problem with this. We are expected to teach these young men to grow up to be respectful members of society. We are expected to teach them to be respectful to others by living the Scout Law, which has been cited by others here. The Boy Scouts of America has taken a lot of hits, from the left, for it’s stand against gay leaders. They shouldn’t have to endure the same type of hits, from those on “our side”, for doing a good thing.

    Report Post »  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:20am

      People like you are so easily fooled. FOOL!

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
    • D
      Posted on January 27, 2012 at 11:27am

      @ Truthbeliever2
      Perhaps you should join in on the no name calling bandwagon. Your username reflects little of your character. Scout leaders have been teaching this long before any gay – or other than straight group came into existence. Boys are taught to be respectful and that is a trait sorely needed in this age. You would do well to read and learn what 13 and 14 year old scouts already know. The Scout Motto and the Scout Oath. Might just make you a responsible adult . Don’t come back with a snide remark, because it will only proves my point.

      Report Post »  
  • ThankBabyJesus
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:22pm

    I want my rainbow back! Also, learn to stand up for yourself.

    Report Post » ThankBabyJesus  
    • snidelywhiplash
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:54am

      Yes, stand up for yourself, unless you’re gay. Then you’re trying to Destroy America (TM).

      Report Post »  
  • Falconer
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:22pm

    So I guess this means they will no longer be calling me a homophobe?

    Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 2:03am

      Or a “hater”, right?

      Report Post »  
    • apbt55
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 2:38am

      no it is ok for them to call you names, you just can’t call them what they are. You are gay, if you don’t like being called gay because it makes you feel bad, there is a reason. Do something about it. It isn’t the people telling you, you are gay that is the problem. The reason it upsets you is because you realize it is wrong and don’t want to be called out on it.

      Report Post »  
  • eaglescout1998
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:21pm

    This is what I don’t understand. They’re devoting one week out of the year to refrain from name calling. Is it safe, then, to assume name calling is fine and dandy during the other 51 weeks in the year?

    Report Post » eaglescout1998  
    • RagingJudge
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 10:19am

      Was thinking the same actually…

      Report Post » RagingJudge  
    • DrLenny
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:07am

      Actually, yes, that is safe to assume. Also, you only need to love your girlfriend on Feb 14th, be Christian on Sundays and love your country on July 4th.

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:20pm

    So when someone is really an idiot, we can’t tell the truth; we must lie now to spare feelings. This is so ridiculous, I am about to spit nails. Look how often Glenn is called names and you don’t see him boo hoo-ing; well except when he gets a spec of dust in his eyes over a topic, but I digress.

    Words won’t hurt you unless you give your power away.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • RightThinking1
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:10pm

    Just returned from Wednesday night fellowship dinner at Methodist church. There were spread around the tables bookmark sized cards with the “No Name Calling” message, and a short diatribe about bullying. I just glanced at them long enough to see what it was about , but, I DID notice that the sponsor was innocuously marked as “GLSEN”. I briefly wondered who that is…, now I know. I wish that I had enquired at the time. I am certainly going to find out who distributed those.

    Report Post »  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:29am

      They are working their way in to the BSA and your church, but their are so many morons here that think this no name calling campaign is a good thing. When really it is just a front for the GLSEN. But these FOOLS wont pay attention to the fact that this campaign is in the church as well as Boy Scouts. There are Boy Scout leaders and such commenting on how this is such a good thing to be happening. “No name calling is a good thing” is what the MORONS say. But thats not what it is. Its a liberal movement which is forcing its ideals on the BSA and your church. Too many Foolish Sheeple for the BSA to make it out of the eventual transformation of its organization into a liberal dream world. They will keep taking their baby steps until it is completely changed. Good job MORONS!!!

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
  • last frontier
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:58pm

    Don’t let the camels BLANK in the tent.

    Report Post » last frontier  
  • karenm
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:51pm

    I was called all kinds of names when I was in school and I never had a large group take up for me. Maybe it‘s because I’m female, straight and white.

    Report Post » karenm  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:59pm

      The entire concept is moronic, as is the new portion of the Youth Protection Training program on the BSA website related to “bullying”.

      Bullies exhibit behavior civilized people should shun. Children should be taught to stand up to bullies, but the new programs teach them to avoid that, and to run to someone else to solve the problem.

      Name-calling has existed since humans could speak and form words. It will exist until the end of time. This is Progressive nonsense.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • B_rad
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:19pm

      I tend to agree, Jaycen. We must teach kids to stand up to bullies and to how to handle these situations whether it is themselves being bullied or someone else. But, we ARE supposed to teach children it IS NOT okay to be a bully or to name-call. There will always be jerks and bullies, so all kids should learn how to deal with them, but it’s just as important that you teach your kid to not be the bully.

      Report Post » B_rad  
  • last frontier
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:49pm

    This must be what PMSNBC means when they say LEAN FORWARD.

    Report Post » last frontier  
  • KingCanon
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:46pm

    Gay’s stole our wonderful word, the word gay that lightened up songs and poetry. The word gay that spoke of an individual’s cheerful feelings. Even the desktop dictionary has transformed the word gay.
    I want it back and I don’t mean that anatomically!

    Report Post » KingCanon  
  • 2012hey
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:46pm

    IS the Boy Scouts is improper sentence. The headline should read ARE the Boy Scouts
    The only way to use IS in the headline would be to refer to the Boy Scouts ORGANIZATION.
    Do they not teach English in public SKOOLS any longer?

    Report Post »  
    • wmmcpherson
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:07pm

      IS the Boy Scouts is improper sentence.

      Your opening sentence is AN improper sentence. If you read the article you will see that the article is indeed speaking of the organization. The very first sentence begins with: “The Boy Scouts of America…”. That would be the organization.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:27pm

      There is nothing I hate more than the “Proper Sentence” police. My take the Boy Scouts of America is ONE organization comprised of many people; therefore in my sentence structure IS, is the correct modifier.

      On second thought, I don’t give a rats patooty.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • B_rad
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:45pm

      2012, I agree with you that it’s important to point out the errors by professional sources. I say professional sources because I think quick blurbs in comments are pretty much exempt from strict guidelines (abbreviations and accepted short hand are perfectly okay), but I still think we should correct improper phrases and such. How else will we improve the level of discourse rather than let it continue to decay to New Speak like in 1984? That said, before you correct someone, you really should be certain you’re right. The Boy Scouts is singular since it’s the name of an organization. The Blaze’s headline is worded correctly, though it would have flowed better if they would have used their entire name so it wasn’t awkward to read.

      Report Post » B_rad  
  • modilly
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:41pm

    Fine but these things make me suspicious that they are trying to be liked instead of trying to be nice. Trying to be liked leads to abandonment of principles.

    Report Post » modilly  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:36pm

    The American Heritage Girls is an Christian alternative for the Girl Scouts. The Boy Scouts needs one too. Take a stand America!

    http://www.ahgonline.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=19318

    Report Post »  
    • UBETHECHANGE
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:41pm

      P.S. I in no way support bullying of anyone.

      Report Post »  
    • Common.Cents
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:56pm

      The Boy Scouts of America is FINE. it doesn’t need an alternative. BSA taught me so much. I am proud to be an eagle scout.

      Report Post » Common.Cents  
    • budzy1911
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 8:52am

      Boy Scouts is fine – but we need to stand against this moral decay progression that has destroyed the Churches. This week it will associate with a group that is clearly at odds with the virtues of Scouting. Next week who will they stand with? Unless they are stopped, people like Bryan Wendell will bring back the old adage that a fish decays from the head down.

      That said there are many other groups that have anti-bulling campaigns that are more in line with Scouting’s core beliefs. I will not allow evil to succeed.

      Report Post » budzy1911  
    • cwgmpls
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 9:59am

      The Royal Rangers is a Christian alternative to the Boy Scouts and it is very good. They have been around since 1962. What we really need is a Mormon alternative to the Boy Scouts. Since the Boy Scouts is the default youth development program for the Latter Day Saints, they are one of the largest sponsors of Boy Scout troops and they keep messing things up for us Scouts who are not Mormon.

      Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:32pm

    Don’t know…sounds good at first glance – I would think most people would think that. However, I’ve read other articles where both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have been infiltrated with the liberals also — this sounds like stuff they are doing in the public schools — which gradually leads to their goal of getting them to openly accept homosexual boys, leaders, etc. spreading their gay rights agenda. Plus homosexual leaders join on purpose in order to be closer to the kids if you know what I mean. The Girl Scouts having the same thing – connected to liberal agendas. Sorry, sad but true. Beware. Dangerous to be naive, ignorant.

    Report Post »  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:29pm

    The idiots at the huff and puff will twist anything they can to make it say what they want it to say.

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report Post »  
  • SoupSandwich
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:25pm

    Southpark already dealt with this. You can now even call weekend Harley riders gay and **** when they do nothing but become road hazards and rev the bikes for no reason. **** and gays isn’t restricted to fart knockers only. No diversity in that.

    Report Post »  
  • normbal
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:21pm

    A scout is: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Also morally straight. Not gay.

    Report Post » normbal  
  • EchoHawk
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:12pm

    “Is the Boy Scouts Endorsing a Gay & Lesbian Group‘s ’No Name-Calling’ Campaign?” Really it’s are, Are the Boy Scouts Endorsing. Damn I’ve got to get a job proof reading.

    Report Post »  
    • P8riot
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:16pm

      lol – I’m sure the author is laughing at that one as well! Must have been in a hurry to get it on the site. :)

      Report Post » P8riot  
  • P8riot
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:10pm

    I‘m and Eagle Scout and don’t have a problem with this. Even if someone is living in sin, they shouldn’t be bullied. The only way to help someone back from a sinful life is to show them Christlike love.

    Report Post » P8riot  
  • The citizen who cares
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:08pm

    I don’t think this is the BSA saying they are “pro”gay by any means. They are just trying to prevent scouts from calling other’s Idiots, stupid, or “gay”.

    This coming from a scoutmaster

    Report Post »  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:46am

      The GLSEN is leading this very same kind of campaign in the church. HELLO!??? Just try, for once in your lives to think out of the box. Maybe just maybe this “No Name Calling Campaign” is an avenue for liberals to work their way into the most conservative organizations like churches and the BSA. I am completely flabbergasted that their are so many fools out there who would fall for this. Yet here they are on this page. Every other comment is about how this is such a good idea. Here is the one word i can use to describe you people. SIMPLE

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
  • normbal
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:06pm

    That’s so gay. By gay I mean the adolescent vernacular meaning “stupid.”

    Report Post » normbal  
  • let us prey
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:06pm

    Kevin Jennings, obumblers safe school czar is the founder of Glsen. He teaches kids about fisting in the public school system. Huff blow thinks this is a major step for the critics of the scouts? Seriously?

    Report Post » let us prey  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:14pm

      Where, pray tell, did you learn about fisting?

      Report Post »  
    • let us prey
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:24pm

      Do your homework echohawk. You do not want these people around your children.

      Report Post » let us prey  
  • Impenitent
    Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:06pm

    sound like courtesy to me… wait… trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent … yeah, it’s in there…

    Report Post »  
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