Edgar Rodriguez, Officer for the NYPD says the Boy Scouts of America's policy Hurts Kids!

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Should NYC STOP supporting the Boy Scouts?

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There are many youth programs which do not discriminate that youth, parents, schools and other public entities can team up with for the benefit of all kids. Groups such as 4-H Clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Campfire Girls and Boys, Jewish Community Centers and YMCA's (as well as the Girl Scouts), do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. These other inclusive youth programs provide many needed services, and help kids build skills and friendships - all with a sense of pride in personal identity rather than under the BSA's disempowering discriminatory policy.

With non-discriminatory options available - for the good of all kids - why not choose to teach respect and inclusion, rather that than teach disrespect and discrimination?

The messages the Boy Scouts send about gay youth and adults are a dangerous one. It is hazardous to their physical safety and to the safety of others perceived to be gay. It also puts at risk other youth that might not otherwise be the perpetrators of hate crimes.

As a youth educator my experiences have made me well aware that gay youth, who are often targets of harassment and brutality, are also particularly vulnerable to low self-esteem. They need and deserve positive support from all of us, especially the law enforcement and school systems. Non-gay youth must also hear a message of respect for the rights of all people, and that discrimination is not acceptable.

As a police officer and an educator on hate crimes I am also keenly aware of the subtle and often mixed messages that have motivated youth to cross that fine line from tolerance to bias related violence.

It is our responsibility to let them know that intolerance is not an acceptable standard in our city. But how can we expect our young people to respect the law when we violate the very substance and spirit of our city's human rights laws by working in cooperation with organizations that discriminate and perpetuate the negative messages that even if in the most subtle ways fuel hate and hate violence?

Edgar Rodriguez