Johnson County, Iowa, United Way Chair Resigns over Support of Boy Scouts

From The Gazette (Cedar Rapids)
Published Wednesday, April 25, 2001
http://www.gazetteonline.com
BYLINE: By Erin Walter
SUMMARIZED BY: Jim Simms

Gary Levitz has resigned as the organization's campaign chair because of the group's support of the Boy Scouts.

Gary Levitz stated in a letter to the United Way Board of Directors and staff April 17 that he was stepping down as campaign chair because he feels supporting the Boy Scouts of America, which does not admit homosexuals, fosters discrimination. Levitz and his wife, Randi, tied with another couple for the largest contribution ever to the Johnson County United Way with a gift
of $60,000.

Levitz feels the group has taken only superficial steps to address the conflict between the missions of the Boy Scouts and United Way.

The author notes that a task force will review the local United Way's involvement with all affiliate groups, including the Boy Scouts. Levitz felt the United Way should create a non-discrimination policy and ask all affiliated groups to comply.

In the 2000 campaign, this local United Way distributed $ 15,867 to the Boy Scouts of America Hawkeye Area Council. Ed Brandon, their executive said there is pressure on the national arm of the Boy Scouts to review its policy. According to the article local Scout leaders say they do not bring up the issue of sexuality and encourage tolerance of differences.