In the wake of George Floyd’s death, many companies have released statements vowing to confront racism.
Now the Boy Scouts of America’s National Executive Committee says it will take a series of steps to “promote a culture in which every person feels that they belong, are respected, and are valued in Scouting, in their community, and across America.”
In a letter on Monday, the committee said, “There is no place for racism – not in Scouting and not in our communities. Racism will not be tolerated.”
It continued, “We condemn the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and all those who are not named but are equally important. We hear the anguish, feel the heartbreak, and join the country’s resolve to do better.”
“The Boy Scouts of America stands with Black families and the Black community because we believe that Black Lives Matter. This is not a political issue; it is a human rights issue and one we all have a duty to address,” the letter added.
The organization said it will create a “diversity and inclusion merit badge that will be required for the rank of Eagle Scout.”
The letter also said the Boy Scouts will review “every element of our programs to ensure diversity and inclusion are engrained at every level for participants and volunteers by applying a standard that promotes racial equality and denounces racism, discrimination, inequality and injustice.”
And it will require “diversity and inclusion” for all of its employees, and create training for volunteers.
Additionally, the letter said the organization will “review of property names, events and insignia, in partnership with local councils, to build on and enhance the organization’s nearly 30-year ban on use of the Confederate flag and to ensure that symbols of oppression are not in use today or in the future.”
“We are committed to working together with our employees, volunteers, youth members, and communities so we can all become a better version of ourselves and continue to prepare young people to become the leaders of character our communities and our country need to heal and grow,” the letter added.