Pack 28, Santa Barbara, California Tells the Boy Scouts of America They Won't Teach Discrimination

Chief Scout Executive
Boy Scouts of America
PO Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079

CC: Judy Stettler, MonteVista School Principal
Les Imel, Superintendent Hope School District

Santa Barbara, CA. 93105

September 17, 2000

Dear BSA,

Both my wife and I recently became the Committee Chair and Cubmaster for Pack 28 in Santa Barbara California. I (husband) was previously a Cub and Boy Scout in my youth and found it very rewarding. Our son is now also in scouting as we hope our younger 5 year old will be. Taking on the responsibilities of running a Pack is extensive and very time consuming, but we believe it is worth it.

However, my wife and I were very distressed when the courts (California) decided to uphold the Scouts policy of barring gays and agnostics in its organization. We personally cannot condone this decision and wish to voice our opposition to the BSA's discriminatory policies. Discrimination of any kind is wrong, and that is the policy we believe we must promote to our sons and to our Den Leaders by writing this letter.

We wish to remain in Scouting for all the wonderful and wholesome things it represents, but we can only do so by voicing our strong disapproval of the BSA's policies regarding membership of gays and agnostics.

Therefore, I hereby state that as it's leaders, Pack 28 in Santa Barbara will not discriminate or close our membership to anyone, regardless of religious belief or sexual orientation.

Finally, we wish to encourage the Boy Scouts to change its policy in this regard.


Sincerely,
(signed)

Michelle & Gary Rosenfeld
Pack 28 Committee Chair and Cubmaster
Santa Barbara, California 93105
(Rosenfelds@msn.com)