Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act

The issue of Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act is of great importance today, as it affects a wide spectrum of people and has significant repercussions in various areas of life. In this article, we will explore in depth the different facets of Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act and analyze its impact on society, economy and culture. In addition, we will examine the different approaches and opinions on Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, with the aim of providing a comprehensive and enriching vision on this topic. Through a detailed and exhaustive analysis, we aim to shed light on Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act and offer new perspectives that invite reflection and debate.

The Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act was passed to prevent State and Federal agencies from reducing their support for the Boy Scouts of America (and other youth organizations) based on their policies. The bill was passed in the wake of a number of controversies involving the Boy Scouts of America, such as their exclusion of gay people and atheists, and subsequent attempts to limit government support of the organization.

In particular, the bill states that no school receiving Department of Education funds:

shall deny equal access or a fair opportunity to meet to, or discriminate against, any group officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, or any other youth group listed in title 36 of the United States Code (as a patriotic society), that wishes to conduct a meeting within that designated open forum or limited public forum, including denying such access or opportunity or discriminating for reasons based on the membership or leadership criteria or oath of allegiance to God and country of the Boy Scouts of America or of the youth group listed in title 36 of the United States Code (as a patriotic society).

Schools are not required to allow access to the Boy Scouts or similar organizations if they do not have a designated open or limited public forum, that is, if they do not provide meeting space for any outside groups.

The bill was included as Sec. 9525 in the No Child Left Behind Act, which was signed into law on January 8, 2002.

See also

External links

  • Full Text of the Act from the US Dept. of Education
  • Article on the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act from the Boy Scouts of America
  • Article discussing the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act from a site critical of the Boy Scouts of America