Non-Discrimination
A Scout is Equal.
"If we would remain a nation, we must stand by one another.”
– The Legend of the Order of the ArrowEmbedded Files
Pack 903 will not discriminate against anyone for any reason. Here is what we signed and submitted to School District 65:
"The undersigned hereby submits assurance that Cub Scout Pack 903 Shall not discriminate or deny equal access to any individual on the basis of sexual orientation or any protected status, including race, color, national origin, sex, religious belief, physical and mental handicap or disability, status as homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities."
We agree completely with the above statement. We understand that some BSA organizations have discriminated against Scouts and their families and we believe this is terrible. Those Units are answerable to their Chartered Organization, which is supposed to regulate things like Scout admissions and Leader selection. This behavior saddens and disgusts us. We believe every child and their parents and guardians should have the opportunity to participate. We also believe that no child should see their parent removed from or barred from leadership based on their sexual orientation.
Every potential adult leader submits to a background check and must take Youth Protection Training every 2 years.
There are so many options for your child and we believe Scouting is a well-rounded option. If a child has a limitation, they never have to feel that they can't join or are letting their team down. There are so many varied activities - one day may mean playing a game of basketball, the next day they may take a walk in the woods, then they might just sit down and learn about some local history. Even on a day where your child may not be able to participate in the planned subject (such as a physical limitation), they can participate in another way (like keeping score). Everyone is important. Everyone counts.
In addition to Pack 903's current leaders' beliefs that discrimination is unacceptable, we are sponsored by the American Legion Post 42, which also does not condone discrimination.
You will notice some adults and Scouts wear the Inclusive Scouting Award on their uniform. We started wearing this before the BSA became more inclusive, to show everyone how important it is to be inclusive. These leaders actively worked for the BSA National policy changes while working Pack 901 in South Evanston, and continue that work here at Pack 903.
The Inclusive Scouting Award is still available to anyone in Pack 903 who would like it, just ask. The organization that provides the patches fights for equality for all Scouts: www.scoutsforequality.org
If you ever feel that discrimination has taken place, we want to know immediately! We will not tolerate it, and will stop it right away. Or you can report the incident yourself, at the BSA Incident Reporting site.
Click here to see the BSA's statement on the Membership Policy Resolution for youth.
To learn about the later changes to the Adult Membership Policy, go here.
Below you can view a letter written by our local Council (Northeast Illinois Council) to the National Key 3 regarding the Council's view of the BSA membership statement.
Special Needs
We work with families to find the best method to work with their Scouts. If your Scout needs special attention, talk to us and we will figure out together how to best include them. We are fortunate to have Scouts with many different abilities and talents, and look forward to meeting yours!
What About Girls?
Girls are welcome to join our Pack. Scouts BSA began offering the Cub Scouts program to girls in 2018. You can read more about the Scouts BSA policy here.
Sleeping Arrangements
In Scouting, children are not allowed to sleep in a tent with an adult other than their own parent or guardian. We allow same-gender Scouts to sleep together in their own tent - only if they want to. No child would ever be forced or expected to sleep in a tent with someone they are not 100% comfortable being with.
NEIC Membership Statement.pdfGoogle Sites
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