The Boy Scouts of America will change its name to Scouting America, the first name change the organization has had since in its 114-year history.
The organization said the move is meant to make the Boy Scouts more “inclusive” and follows a bankruptcy settlement for $2.4 billion.
“Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be Prepared. For Life,” said Roger A. Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America, in a statement. “This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting.”
The organization sought bankruptcy protection after more than 80,000 men made sexual abuse claims against the organization in over 275 lawsuits nationwide. The bankruptcy plan allowed for the Boy Scouts to continue operations while paying out settlements to victims of abuse.
The organization also faced criticism for its longtime ban on gay men, which was lifted in 2013. In 2017, the organization began accepting transgender people who identified as boys into the organization.
In 2018, girls were able to join Cub Scouts, which is the organization’s program for children ages 7 to 10. One year later, the organization allowed older girls, ages 11 to 17, to join its main program, the Boy Scouts of America.
“Scouting America provides a welcoming, safe environment where youth can become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other,” Krone said. “I encourage everyone to join us and experience the benefits of Scouting.”
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More than a million youth are involved with the organization, including 176,234 girls.
The new name will go into effect in February 2025 to commemorate the 115th anniversary of the organization.
