Returns Eagle Scout Badge
to BSA National Office
Andy Prescott
From: Prescott, Andy
To: Positive Atheism <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: BSA
Date: Thursday, August 12, 1999 7:40 AM
Many years ago, I was a member of the Boy Scouts. I enjoyed the camping and hiking and learning to survive in the great outdoors. Eventually I made it to the rank of Eagle Scout, becoming the first to reach that rank in our troop. The issue of religion didn't mean much to me back then. Our family wasn't religious, but I believed in a god just because I didn't really consider the alternatives.
Besides learning about outdoor life, one of the strongest lessons from scouting was tolerance. In scouting we were taught that scouts could be any color or nationality and that all were equal in Scouting. I have used this as a basis in my life to try and be as open minded as possible.
While I am no longer connected with the Boy Scouts, it has distressed me in recent years to read about their discriminatory practices against gays and atheists. What happened to the tolerance that helped me shape my attitudes? It has come to the point where I am thoroughly disgusted with the organization.
In accordance with their policies, I am no longer permitted to be involved in any way scouting because of my atheism. Therefore, I am returning my Eagle badge to the national office. We still have a long road ahead of us. Keep up the good work.
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