tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35294226391503596832024-03-13T08:09:12.660-07:00Huh, wot?Blogging those exciting moments in Youth Leadership, IIS and ASP.NET development. When a small discovery leads to better understanding, or even improvement in production code, or in the moral development of children and adults.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-30564974019502226862016-11-10T18:10:00.001-08:002016-11-10T18:10:43.594-08:00I Am The Storm<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
As far as I can tell, Trump's undivided government will do everything it can to roll back the New Deal and the Great Society.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
They have said they want to do it, to "privatize" everything they can--education, roads, prison, military, social security, medicare...everything.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If this makes you uncomfortable, then you must mobilize to prevent it.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
If you think this privatization effort is a scam, then you must do something about it.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Wringing hands and fighting last week's battle is an example of doing nothing, rather than something. If you focus on racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and neglect these other matters, then they win, for you continue to fight yesterday's battle, rather than today's.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Do not be confused--the things that matter to you are important, and tone does matter, and the safety of the marginalized is critical to guard.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But don't be robbed blind while you do it, by those large factors that are controlled by plutocrats, who love it when you are distracted, when you leave them in the meantime free to sack the treasury, stacking the system ever more in their favor.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The dice has been rolled, and the winds of change are blowing. It has been said that fate whispers, "you can not withstand the storm." It is upon each of us to answer back, "I am the Storm." After the storm there will be peace--but the storm, well. It is upon us.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-33132626019089721442015-10-18T15:36:00.000-07:002015-10-18T16:00:59.276-07:00The End of Anti-LGBT Discrimination at Chief Seattle Council Still Out of SightMonths later, it remains difficult to see progress in Chief Seattle Council on the simple question of anti-gay discrimination, much less the other issues of gender or religious discrimination. One way to tell if there is progress is to look at specific cases of discrimination. In this e-mail exchange see how difficult it is for the discriminating organization to do more to accelerate entry into a more egalitarian future [some names changed]:<br />
<br />
<b>On Jul 17, 2015, at 8:14 AM, Geoffrey McGrath wrote:</b><br />
<b>Scouter,</b><br />
In light of the pending policy change, and the direction from National BSA that members and units revoked under the prior policy be accepted back, I have made inquires at Chief Seattle Council with the Scout Exec as well as the new DE. Having received no response to my inquiries I'm hoping you can find out what the prospects are for restoration and/or help advocate for us. Naturally the parents are asking, and will benefit from whatever can be done to set appropriate expectations.<br />
<br />
I'm out camping with our scout group this weekend, looking forward to your response,<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
Geoff McGrath<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>On Fri, Jul 17, 2015 at 10:09 AM, Scouter wrote:</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Geoff -</b>I am certain that everyone would be happy to reinstate your troop. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. There is s final membership vote coming up on July 27, I believe. After that date they are able to officially reinstate troops. But I am certain that they would be happy to work with you unofficially in the meantime. Btw, we are all pleased with the policy change and the welcoming of everyone into scouting.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am on a cruise until the 24th. In the meantime I hope you are having a great hike/camping trip. Scouter<br />
Sent from my iPhone</blockquote>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgkV-uoqRQk/ViQhbtcrgEI/AAAAAAAAUIU/cLVhQiLPB2s/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Seattle, WA 98118 October 1, 2015 Rob McKenna, President Chief Seattle Council, Boy Scouts of America 3120 Rainier Ave S PO Box 4404408 Seattle, WA 98114 FAX: 206-721-8985 Dear President McKenna: Recently Pastor Paul Mitchell met with Chief Seattle Council (CSC) Scout Executive Mike Quirk to better understand what is required to restore the Charter to the Rainier Beach United Methodist Church (RBUMC) to operate Troop 98 and Pack 98, and to restore the memberships of the individuals associated with the troop and pack. I spoke with the Pastor after the meeting to know where things stood. The Pastor left the meeting understanding that Mr. Quirk felt the early termination without consideration of the Charters and memberships in April 2014 by Chief Seattle Council and/or the National Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was a closed matter. Mr. Quirk did not offer to refund unused memberships, fees, nor funds held in escrow, nor provide any other consideration for the abrupt premature termination of the Charter or memberships--termination initiated on the part of CSC and/or National BSA solely because the Scoutmaster is gay and because the RBUMC stood by its staffing decision and responsibilities and refused to discriminate. Mr. Quirk indicated to the Pastor that RBUMC was free to submit a new Troop application, acceptance of which would require review by National, and that including myself in any membership or leadership role in a new Troop or Pack application would be unacceptable to Council, not because I am gay, but rather because of concerns on Mr. Quirk’s part about my effectiveness working with other volunteer leaders in the council because [unspecified council members] have been "offended by his behavior, not his orientation.” Naturally the Pastor is dismayed, as it is difficult for good relations to be restored between Council and RBUMC after RBUMC was mistreated in the prior year. The Pastor may feel the rationale for continuing to exclude the scoutmaster from membership in Council is simply a pretext for continuing to discriminate. A robust expression of goodwill and encouragement from Council is needed. If you were to work with Mr. Quirk to have the Charters for Troop 98 and Pack 98 and the associated memberships restored to the pre-April 2014 state, this extension of goodwill would enable the two units to return to normal functioning in Council and provide an ideal way to mend relationships. Effectively managing any difficulty anticipated in re-integrating Troop 98 and Pack 98 into the good functioning of Thunderbird District and Chief Seattle Council may be required, and your working together with Mr. Quirk would get this done. Advocacy with National BSA regarding the Charters and memberships may also be necessary to make real the aspiration that all are free to Scout together with equal dignity, effectively ending invidious discrimination, and respecting the rights and responsibilities of Chartering Organizations to select the leadership they deem most fit. I would be happy to discuss this further by phone or in person if that is helpful, and hope to know your response within ten working days. Yours, Geoffrey McGrath, MSW" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgkV-uoqRQk/ViQhbtcrgEI/AAAAAAAAUIU/cLVhQiLPB2s/s320/image.png" title="Letter to Chief Seattle President Rob McKenna seeking Troop Reinistatement" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Letter to Chief Seattle Council</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>From: Geoffrey McGrath</b><br />
<b>Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2015 7:00 PM</b><br />
<b>Dear Scouter,</b><br />
I appreciate any help you can provide. Scout Exec Mike Quirk did reach out for an informal chat with the RBUMC Pastor in September, but the outcome was less than encouraging. I followed up with a letter to Board President Rob McKenna (attached) and have heard nothing since. What are your thoughts about productive next steps? I'm also including [another Scouter] (I think you know each other) in the hopes that together something productive can be sorted out.<br />
<br />
Also, the Rainier Beach United Presbyterian Church (Pastor Jane) is having a discussion on scouting situation in our neighborhood tomorrow evening and has asked me to participate. It is short notice but perhaps you and/or [another Scouter] will participate as well?<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
Geoff McGrath<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>On Fri, Oct 16, 2015 at 8:32 AM, Scouter wrote:</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Geoff –</b> I doubt that I can be helpful to you. You have burned many bridges and the trust that can go with it. And frankly, that includes me. <br />
Re-read your letter that is attached to your email, and copied above. It is not an invitation to work together. It is riddled with threats. Boy Scouting is about the boys, not you and not me. If you or the church want to put together a Troop and/or Pack, you need a Chartering Organization, five adults and five boys. I suggest that you start with that organization. Whether you get the number 98 or not, is a separate issue, to be determined by the Council. If you choose to be a part of the leadership, you have to prove that you are there for the boys. That part of Scouting has always been first.<br />
You and I agreed on the need for an open membership policy for our gay population. We certainly had different approaches. I wish your approach was more cooperative. /Scouter</blockquote>
<br />
<b>From: Geoffrey McGrath</b><br />
<b>Sent: Friday, October 16, 2015 9:21 AM</b><br />
<b>Scouter,</b><br />
As I see it, the problem with your plan is that Chief Seattle Council refuses to work with me, full stop. And they refuse to work with RBUMC unless the church chooses a different person to lead their scout program.<br />
<br />
RBUMC and I have complained about this mistreatment, and have brought attention to this matter in the hopes that Chief Seattle Council would reform. They haven't, rather they continue to blame and ostracize the victims of their invidious discrimination.<br />
<br />
Restoration of memberships and privileges fixes this problem, and repairs the damage done. I'm unclear what prevents you from helping now, especially in light of your earlier encouragement. What prevents working through the barriers and repairing the relationships?<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
Geoff<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>On Fri, Oct 16, 2015 at 9:34 AM, Scouter wrote:</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Geoff –</b>READ what I wrote below. If you don’t understand it, I suggest you discuss with [another Scouter]. /Scouter</blockquote>
<br />
<b>From: Geoffrey McGrath</b><br />
<b>Sent: Friday, October 16, 2015 11:43 AM</b><br />
<b>Scouter,</b><br />
I think you are urging RBUMC and myself to accept there will be no reconciliation, restoration, restitution, consideration, apology nor acknowledgment for the mistreatment we received last year, that this is simply unachievable.<br />
<br />
And that there is no gesture that can nor will be made on the part of Council to restore the relationship, absent RBUMC seeking new charters de novo with a different scoutmaster.<br />
<br />
If that fairly represents Council's position it naturally leaves little ground upon which to build a new foundation.<br />
<br />
Bridges that were burned beginning March 31 2014 when because of discrimination my membership as revoked, and then later in April because of discrimination the Charters were cancelled remain destroyed and lying in rubble around us. That rubble ought to be cleared, and a better bridge built--one that can be trusted to carry all across in safety.<br />
<br />
We seek partners in bridge building, and despite our history and the despair we sometimes feel that repair is impossible, I still think it is achievable, and that people of goodwill can find a way beyond what once seemed intractable.<br />
<br />
I'd like to repair my relationship with you--it didn't have a time to grow prior to the events of last year, and it didn't survive the rough and tumble of the events that overtook us.<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
Geoff<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>On Fri, Oct 16, 2015 at 11:55 AM, Scouter wrote:</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Geoff –</b> I see a lot of me, me, me in your comments below, and not one word about the boys. That’s where you can build bridges. /Scouter</blockquote>
<br />
<b>From: Geoffrey McGrath</b><br />
<b>Sent: Friday, October 16, 2015 1:32 PM</b><br />
<b>Scouter,</b><br />
Thank you for hanging in there as I try to understand your perspective.<br />
<br />
The challenge regarding "proving that you are there for the boys" strikes me as a rhetorical flourish--that there is nothing that can ever be said or demonstrated that can satisfy the question.<br />
<br />
That challenge is not asking for a resume about the years in youth service, nor the specific credentials and course work taken in preparation to provide youth service. It isn't about the continuing hours devoted per week and month ensuring kids have an opportunity for great preparation and experiences in the wilderness, in citizenship and community service.<br />
<br />
Instead that challenge strikes me as an accusation--that re-worded it reads more clearly this way: "If you truly cared about the kids you never would have allowed this to have happened, and in it happening you never would have done anything other than retire the field--because any action other than that proves it isn't about the kids, it is only about your ego."<br />
<br />
Last year when you issued the same challenge. I mentioned that gay men get this a lot--that homosexuality and self-absorption/selfishness are inextricably linked. I bristled at the time, and shrug at it now. If it isn't what you mean, or isn't intended and you can more artfully express your meaning I appreciate in advance the effort.<br />
<br />
Meantime, Council's re-framing last year's discrimination as this year's personality problem doesn't help our Council move forward. I'm hoping you can be our elder statesman that can lead the way.<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
Geoffrey McGrath<br />
<br />
<b>From: Geoffrey McGrath</b><br />
<b>Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2015 14:56 PM</b><br />
<b>Scouter,</b><br />
Re-reading our conversation--something I'm puzzled by is the initial hopeful tone in your response to me dated Jul 17, 2015, and how that stands in contrast to where things are today.<br />
<br />
Back then you and I both expected the troop and pack to be reinstated--perhaps to both of us it seemed trivially accomplished and the right thing to do. When it became more complicated I think we were both disappointed--I was and I wonder if it wasn't the same for you.<br />
<br />
Later you mentioned that I had burned bridges. I thought you were talking generally, but now I wonder if perhaps you don't have something specific in mind since our communication in July...if so I am unsure what that may be--as I am unaware of any open lines of communication, as Council had rebuffed all contact. It may be I have offended you or otherwise done something that felt like a sabotage of your efforts between July and now? If so I should like an opportunity to know it and perhaps make amends.<br />
<br />
Regarding the complication that prevents the reinstatement of the troop and pack, you may be unaware how difficult it is for the parents and the chartering organization to consider working with Chief Seattle Council at this time, without first an expression of goodwill extended in their direction. They remember acutely the unilateral and abrupt breaking of the charter contract, followed by the poaching of staff and families accomplished through promises of funding and facilities and staffing provided directly by the Council, for the purpose (to their minds) of breaking our community's existing youth scouting program.<br />
<br />
The families' feelings remain deeply offended by the actions of this District and Council, well beyond the offense brought by the silly membership prerogative that National used initially to end the charters and memberships, since resolved by National through a change in national policy.<br />
<br />
I had hoped that if Council would simply reinstate the pack and troop, even without an explicit apology for their prior actions or other compensation or consideration, that the fellowship between our community and Council would gradually re-establish, resulting in a successful re-chartering the following year. If reinstatement had happened in July as you and I both hoped, or perhaps early in August, then it would have been easy to imagine a successful re-charter campaign happening in time for January 2016.<br />
<br />
Such an outcome is something I still yearn for--for renewed fellowship or at least amicable relations to be restored, rather than this unresolved conflict. The benefit to the families, their kids, and all concerned would be incalculable, and remain worth striving towards.<br />
<br />
What lacks that would re-enable your engagement in this worthy effort? Are there others who should be involved as well?<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
GeoffAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-12793242766780266242015-07-22T09:42:00.001-07:002015-07-27T10:54:50.073-07:00Scouting and the Media: Why it mattersLast year I agreed to participate in an interview by Al Jazeera regarding the continuing discrimination against LGBT scouts, families and employees in the Boy Scouts of America, and featuring the twin Eagle Scouts Liam and August. The interview was published on Al Jazeera's program America Tonight in June, 2014. Afterwards a friend inquired:
<blockquote>
How did the interview go?
<br/>Iran is having borders re-drawn pre 1954...ISIS is evaporating the Syrian border, Russia is occupying a previously colonized peninsula, the US no longer has ground troops--now it has advisers--and Al Jazeera wants to interview gay boy scouts?.... what is this Al Jazeera? A slow news day?
No offence guys.....
</blockquote>
<h2>My Response [June 2014]</h2>
The twins' story came after a piece on the deteriorating conditions in Iraq, and following a discussion of the experience of refugees from Bhutan to the Pacific Northwest.
<br/><br/>Did you know that up to 40% of the homeless kids in Seattle are gay or lesbian. Or that 75% of homeless kids in Salt Lake City are gay or lesbian. These kids have been either kicked out of their homes, or have run away from abusive and/or neglectful situations. These kids need someone to help them, and to work to change the situation that causes their homelessness.
<br/><br/>In America the average age of "coming out" as gay is 12 years old. These kids, if they are in Scouts may want to talk about it with their scout leader--in some cases their scout leader is the first person they tell. But that scout leader may not know anything about how to help, or may even be hostile to the idea that a young kid is gay. Because BSA refuses to train their leaders correctly, and because BSA confuses the issue.
<br/><br/>Sometimes a young 12-year-old has difficulty reading social cues...kids may "come out" to an unprepared or hostile scout leader. Then what happens? The scout leader may kick the kid out. Or he may tell the kid's parent--and the parent may be even less prepared, or more hostile to the child than the scout leader is. Which may result in abuse, neglect or homelessness. The Boy Scouts of America policies and practices abandons, leaving them to fend for themselves. The smart ones who can read the social queues are able to opt to stay in the closet. The lucky scouts have a caring and informed scout leader. But most of these kids (and that means about one in ten kids!) don't. To BSA these issues don't matter--that what matters is the corporate and religious prerogatives of BSA and its sponsors. I reject the idea that these kids don't matter.
<br/><br/>Consider, if there are 2,500,000 Scouts in America, there are perhaps 250,000 kids directly facing this--and they are individually at risk. Some are lucky, some are smart. Most are in danger of mistreatment or neglect. And that doesn't address the gay and lesbian adults who serve quietly and in secret--they are also in danger from their fellow scouters.
<br/><br/>There are 106,000 scouting units in America--each one has between 5 and 10 adults on average working as a Scouter. That means there are likely 50,000 to 100,000 LGBT adults who serve in secret, and in fear that one of the other adults members or persons from the community might become jealous and have them kicked out. Living in fear like that is terrible--and it means these adults are taken advantage of. All so that straight people don't have to change the rule that says gay people cannot serve in equal dignity with straight people.
<br/><br/>The editors at Al Jazeera did consider this story to be worth reporting--both in the difficulties presented to people at scale throughout our society, as well as in the specifics of the two young men profiled. This story, showing these young men and their father living with integrity in the context of a deeply flawed and compromised organization, is a story that for some parents and some young people throughout the nation will help them know how to navigate their own situation in a way consistent with all 12 points of the scout law, and for the rest to consider their role in perpetuating a system that casts so many aside, or otherwise struggles and fails to grace all with equal dignity.
<h2>Media Again, Why? [July 2015]</h2>
A year later the media is again asking for opportunities to discuss scouting in America, and are curious to know how the Boy Scouts of America's announced [pending] policy changes may affect our scout group. When I asked the parents if they wished to participate, they responded enthusiastically, saying these are matters that concern them, and their voices and faces should be part of the national conversation. The scouts also feel it is important, and they want to be able to share their story with their friends.
<h2>A Word About BSA Organization</h2>
Charters are accepted by Council and then forwarded to National. If National has questions then Councils are obligated to support/defend their decision before National. The procedure for individual memberships is similar. Chief Seattle Council personnel have said "this is on the top of the Scout Exec's list" but for weeks has made no private nor public statement of intent, inclusion, congratulations nor welcome to LGBT youth, families, employees, nor to the Charter Organization, Pack and Troop kicked out last year.
<br/><br/>National has maintained this change to their discrimination policy is forced upon them. They also disclaim any responsibility to individual scouts or units, insisting those responsibilities rest solely upon their Charter Organizations. Disclaiming responsibility while claiming monopoly on the scouting movement in America is problematic.
<br/><br/>The actual needs of LGBT people remain unaddressed by BSA, and leave allies in the struggle for equal dignity uncertain. More can be done than has been done, even within the constraints of their proposed policy, for those reluctant to draw outside the lines. The new policy was published on the BSA website, and can be read here: <a href="http://bit.ly/1CAu0sR">http://bit.ly/1CAu0sR</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-84944589242970677912015-07-14T15:11:00.006-07:002015-07-27T09:09:12.147-07:00Boy Scouts of America's New Policy of DiscriminationYesterday the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced a draft of its new discrimination policy, expected to be adopted July 27, 2015 at the national board meeting. These documents were published outlining the details:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/1UVfHF3">Religious Organization Protections Memo 062915.pdf</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/1HDrayU">Why the BSA Must Reconsider the Adult Leader Standard 070815</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/1CAu0sR">Adult Leadership Standards and Resources Update June 2015.pdf</a></li>
</ul>
<br/>What is so curious about this announcement is that it outlines a continuing policy of discrimination at a time when most organizations are struggling to do the opposite. Most everyone else is trying to actively end discrimination in all it's forms, but with this policy discrimination against LGBT individuals may continue in the up-to 70% of units that are sponsored ("chartered") by religious institutions, and invidious discrimination against girls/women and the godless on the part of the Boy Scouts of America will continue. The activism and pressure that was required to end the active discrimination against LGBT youth and adults in membership and employment continues to be required to bring about change. The BSA admits (see links above) the changes currently in play is primarily due to actual or threatened litigation, as well as BSA (perhaps unintentionally) having abandoning the expressive claims made in the <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=6404209718401303437&hl=en&as_sdt=6&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">BSA v. Dale Decision</a>.<br/>
<br/>The BSA's continued practice of discrimination against LGBT in volunteering and membership in their religiously sponsored scouting units continues to prevent them from re-entering their formerly privileged positions in communities and educational settings throughout the nation. The changes announced yesterday and expected at month's end are limited to ending an active policy of discrimination against "avowed homosexuals," while simultaneously permitting it to continue with its religious partners. Local Councils will continue to attempt to adopt non-discrimination policies that National BSA in the documents published yesterday insist are null and void.<br/>
<br/>BSA's proposed policy changes continue to abandon youth and families in religiously discriminating units, leaving them at risk. The public will see this and continue to object to it. Those religious organizations that do not change will be increasingly marginalized by the rest of society. <br/>
<br/>BSA has bought a little goodwill with the changes announced today, but that goodwill will erode over time if BSA cannot figure out how to welcome those members it is currently deciding to not actively mistreat and neglect, and if it fails to extend scouting to those it still actively excludes.<br/>
<br/>As with the changes in membership policy January 1 2014, the changes now proposed by the BSA is not predicated on the needs of families and children. Not one word in the materials prepared for communication with the public, nor with units, charter organizations nor councils speaks to the special vulnerabilities of LGBT youth and the risks they face at the hands of those in whose care they are entrusted. Not one word addresses the needs of families with LGBT members or participants. The BSA is making this change with the narrowest of focus: "that the National Executive Board will act in the best interest of our organization."<br/>
<br/>Holding the "rights of religious chartered organizations" to continue invidious discrimination without simultaneously discussing and safe-guarding the needs, indeed the rights, of children and families to equal dignity and protection, participation and expression goes beyond neglect. It is reckless endangerment.<br/>
<br/>Subjecting children and families to what amounts to a ZIP code lottery is simply immoral.<br/>
<br/>Let's be clear. With this change BSA adopts a new policy of discrimination at a time when what is needed is a policy of NON-discrimination. National BSA threatens all Councils throughout the nation that if they adopt non-discrimination policies the prohibit any chartering organization the prerogative to mistreat, neglect, abandon, discipline or discharge any who are or are thought to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, then "The National Council will take action on a council that violates this provision." (-source: Adult Leadership Standards and Resources Update June 2015, Question 18).<br/>
<br/>What kind of respectable child and youth serving organization does that?<br/>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-35289361872825468552015-06-08T09:56:00.001-07:002015-06-08T10:32:42.110-07:00Response to An Anonymous ScoutmasterThis morning I read an op-ed piece posted in the South Seattle Emerald written anonymously by a gay scoutmaster, currently serving in Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He says:
<blockquote>I am an Eagle Scout myself. I am also a Scoutmaster, and I happen to be gay. I was awarded Scoutmaster of the year by my district in 2014, but if my local council knew that I am gay I would no longer be allowed to serve which is why I write this in anonymity. I am committed to serving the youth in my troop and for that reason I cannot be honest about who I am...</blockquote>
<blockquote>
It’s about time the BSA follows its own rules and allow LGBT leaders to serve. I’m calling on the Chief Seattle Council of the BSA to be a leader and adopt its own inclusion policy for the sake of the youth the program serves. After all it is the Cub Scout Motto to “Do your best.” Is the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts really living up to that?</blockquote><blockquote> Source: <a href="http://southseattleemerald.com/2015/06/07/matters-of-faith-ending-discrimination-in-the-boy-scouts-of-america-begins-with-seattle/">southseattleemerald.com</a></blockquote>
I posted this response:
<blockquote>Dear anonymous gay Scoutmaster currently serving in Chief Seattle Council,</blockquote>
<blockquote>Thank you so much for sharing your story. The voices of the oppressed, in their oppression, help us all understand the continuing need for reform.</blockquote>
<blockquote>The pillars of discrimination in Chief Seattle Council have changed from last year, and its foundations have eroded. Specifically Sharon Moulds is no longer Scout Executive. And the President of BSA has said he will not de-charter councils who refuse to follow the discrimination policies of National. And the district executive of your district may have changed.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Because of those changes it may be that an out gay scoutmaster in BSA, with the full support of his Charter Organization can successfully change the discriminatory practices of Chief Seattle Council and end the shame the continuing discrimination practiced by these scouts in our town brings upon us all. Coming out is required in order to change the practices, and support and defense by the Council is required in order to change the opinion of the community.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Harvey Milk famously said "Gay brothers and sisters,... You must come out." Your bravery is what changes matters for yourself, your troop, your district and your Council.</blockquote>
<blockquote>If you find that Chief Seattle Council fails again to live up to the ideals expressed in the Scout Oath and Law, you will not be alone. Many others in this community will stand by and defend you. Our hearts and hands are outstretched towards you. And there are other scouting organizations who will welcome you around their campfire: specifically Baden-Powell Service Association seeks brave men and women such as yourself to continue bringing traditional scouting values to the next generation, equally to all.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Coming out is for the sake of all youngsters. Coming out frees straight scouts from the embarrassment they currently feel as participants in oppressing others. And for the gay scouts and their families it creates a world free from the fear of discrimination, exclusion, excommunication and shame. It is 2015. It is time to come out.</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-34803903272395951172015-02-20T10:12:00.000-08:002015-02-20T10:12:33.624-08:00BSA Cub Scout Enrollment Declines 8.5% in 2014I've never heard of an inclusive Klan registry. But I have heard of an inclusive BSA registry (link below). It is curious that not a single current unit, charter organization, district, nor council is listed in the inclusive BSA registry.
<br/><br/>
When I've asked BSA volunteers who claim their unit or council is inclusive, but who are not listed in the registry, I've gotten various unsatisfying answers as to why their unit is special and cannot be listed.
<br/><br/>
So here we remain, it is 2015, no BSA units are certifiably inclusive, and none (that I know of) are working towards certification.
<br/><br/>
Meantime, nation-wide cub numbers declined 8.5% from 1,416,000 to 1,295,000 (source unavailable for attribution, change in membership 2013-2014), this during a year when the leadership emphasized a focus on cub scout membership.
<br/><br/>
Can one be ethical and moral and still be a member of BSA? I think one can, but it does require some hard work, which begins with an honest assessment quickly followed by action. Scouting isn't so much about "being" -- these marketing slogans ("be a cub(tm)" and "be a scout(tm)") get in the way of "doing," which is more to the point of scouting. Doing non-discrimination is significantly different from "hoping" and/or "waiting" for it.
<br/><br/>
The Civil Rights movements of the past taught us many things. The most important being that it doesn't happen by wishing; it requires hard work and pressure tactics. Nice doesn't get it done. It requires dreams supported by actions.
<br/><br/>
Here is the link I promised: <a href="http://www.scoutpride.org/InclusiveUnits.html">http://www.scoutpride.org/InclusiveUnits.html</a><a href="http://www.scoutpride.org/InclusiveUnits.html" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9rcIq71Uzk/VOd4FuXazWI/AAAAAAAASFs/_WX-MJdcA5o/s320/scoutpride.PNG" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-50603530783225644182014-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:002014-10-17T11:11:13.438-07:00Highline School District Ends BSA Recruiting During School DayHighline School District is taking the matter of nondiscrimination seriously, ending the prior practice of allowing BSA personnel access to students and facilities during the school day. See this post for background: <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/09/boy-scouts-of-america-and-illegal.html">http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/09/boy-scouts-of-america-and-illegal.html</a>. Here is the reponse from Superintendent Enfield:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbeDjKRQzhY/VEFbLRVlP3I/AAAAAAAAP60/VgHW4-RLYh8/s1600/HighlineSchoolsEndsBSAAccessDuringSchoolDay.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbeDjKRQzhY/VEFbLRVlP3I/AAAAAAAAP60/VgHW4-RLYh8/s320/HighlineSchoolsEndsBSAAccessDuringSchoolDay.PNG" /></a></div>
<blockquote>
Highline Public Schools<br />
Ambaum Boulevard Southwest<br />
Burien, Washington 98166<br />
highlineschools.org<br />
206.433.0111<br />
<br />
October 10, 2014<br />
<br />
Dear Mr. McGrath,<br />
<br />
I have received notification of your complaint regarding Boys Scouts of America distributing program material and recruiting students during the school day. We recognize that these activities should not have occurred during the school day. The district has implemented reasonable measures to eliminate this circumstance in the future. We have spoken with the principal in question to make sure she is aware that these activities should occur befoer or after school. Further, we have taken the initiative to remind all building leadership of our Nondiscrimination policy and the Equal Access Act.<br />
<br />
If you have any further questions, or believe your concerns have not been addressed, you may appeal to the School Board of Directors by filing a written notice of appeal to the Secretary of the Board. Please refer to the attached Board Policy and Procedure 3210 and 3210P for specific timeline information.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
(signed)<br />
Susan Enfield, Ed. D.<br />
Superintendent</blockquote>
It is interesting to compare the difference in tone and rational with that provided by Seattle Public Schools, who made program changes but claimed it was due to academic rigor rather than discrimination. <br />
<br />
Do you think that Highline has gone far enough to ensure all students and families are treated with equal respect and dignity? Your comments and concerns are welcome in the section below.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-14546430998285324702014-09-17T17:37:00.002-07:002014-09-17T17:37:18.032-07:00Boy Scouts of America and Illegal Recruiting in Highline Public SchoolsThe problem of illegal recruiting on the part of Boy Scouts of America in public schools in Washington State continues. This week it is in the town of Burien, a suburb of Seattle, in the Highline School District. I read about the recruiting in an article published in the Huffington Post, which prompted my letter to the District Ombudsman:
<blockquote>
Dear Ms. Niizuma-Arambula,<br />
<br />
I read this article in the press with alarm today: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-swanson/how-the-cub-scouts-exclus_b_5836558.html">How the Cub Scouts' Exclusion Impacts Our Fourth Grader</a><br />
<br />
I'm sure you are aware it is against state law and public policy for organizations that discriminate against LGBT people to have access to our students and facilities (see this article published by the OSPI: <a href="http://www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter/BullyingHarassment/pubdocs/ProhibitingDiscriminationPublicSchools.pdf">http://www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter/BullyingHarassment/pubdocs/ProhibitingDiscriminationPublicSchools.pdf</a>).<br />
<br />
The only exception to this in relation to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), in that they must be given equal access to rent facilities before or after school in an equal manner with any other neighborhood group.<br />
<br />
Besides the recruiting event noted above, I have the following questions of Highline Public Schools:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>What other recruiting events for BSA happen during the school day?</li>
<li>What will be done to correct this event and ensure no further violations occur?</li>
<li>What other programs of BSA currently operate in this district?</li>
<li>Does this district currently have Scoutreach, Learning For Life, or any other inter-operation, contracts or programs run by BSA or their Learning For Life subsidiary?</li>
<li>Are BSA personnel currently permitted on school grounds during the school day?</li>
</ol>
I would be happy to discuss this with further, and look forward to your response. If there is a procedure that should be followed that I have not yet followed to ensure this is handled as a formal complaint please let me know what I should do.Thank you very much for your consideration and attention to this..<br />
<br />
Yours,<br />
Geoff McGrath, MSW
</blockquote>
Are you aware of similar recruiting going on in your school district? If so, be sure and write a letter of complaint to your district ombudsman or compliance officer. They are required to respond within specific timeframes to resolve the matter within the constraints of the law. Discuss your efforts, successes and concerns in the comments below.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-3292055523327159582014-09-11T13:55:00.002-07:002014-09-11T13:55:50.594-07:00Analysis of the Scouts for Equality Strategy Briefing<a href="https://www.scoutsforequality.com">Scouts for Equality</a> (SFE) is "an American advocacy organization that advocates for equal treatment within the Boy Scouts of America's for all scouts and scout leaders, regardless of sexual orientation." It recently published a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F347EzFQJjY">strategy briefing</a> to see what the thrust of SFE would be going forward. It merits a longer post, but in brief here is my rather hard-nosed analysis:
<ol>
<li>Praise of BSA</li>
<li>Credit taking for the outcome of the 2013 vote and the new membership policy </li>
<li>Little discussion of the problems of the new policy for youth</li>
<li>Encouragement of continued participation in BSA</li>
<li>No option for those who cannot or will not participate in BSA</li>
<li>No participation/visibility of LGBT adults</li>
<li>Praise for Robert M. Gates</li>
<li>Charitable mind-reading of Gates' actual intentions and plans</li>
<li>etc.</li>
</ol>
Significant as well is what was not discussed:
<ol>
<li>duplicity of BSA regarding age of adult membership, and Gates' participation in that decision</li>
<li>analysis of how these plans accelerate change above do-nothing baseline</li>
<li>helping "grow" the program during epoch of discrimination--doesn't that rather discourage change?</li>
<li>the steps individuals and units can/should take now</li>
<li>addressing the actual needs of LGBT youth and adults in BSA now</li>
<li>etc.</li>
</ol>
Perhaps the plans to rate individual councils on their actual support of full equality and preparedness to meet the actual needs of LGBT members will be useful, though it is hard to say until those plans are circulated. Why rating Councils rather than Units makes sense is not discussed. Note the prior advice for LGBT scout/scouters thinking of coming out was rather limited, broke no new ground, and provided nothing that wasn't already available from other venues.<br/><br/>
Basically, I see little daylight between the official BSA position and SFE, in that both seek to grow the program (BSA) without bringing irresistible pressure for change to any layer of the program. There is a fantasy discussion about how the policy will change by virtue of a top-down effort driven by people who are on record to do nothing for the next two years, and with every reason to believe their intentions are to continue to do nothing after that, unless compelled to do differently by force majeure.<br/><br/>
SFE appears to believe that because its board is made up of Eagle Scouts therefore it has leverage with the BSA organization. But there is no recognition that current BSA members (of which few if any SFE board members are), whether volunteer or professional, are hierarchically focused--they look up their chain of command and don't look to former members, no matter what rank those former members achieved.<br/><br/>
Without a change in strategies and tactics I suspect that BSA will continue to ignore the efforts of SFE. But imagine BSA were to encourage the efforts of SFE--what happens then? Essentially it allows BSA to return to growth, to continue to confuse the nation that BSA is actually supportive of diversity and inclusion, without making any real or meaningful change.<br/><br/>
I may have missed an important point or two--what was your read, what do you think is useful or not useful in the presentation, and what is needed to make real our aspiration for fully inclusive scouting today?
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-36761671303607428472014-09-09T15:06:00.003-07:002014-09-12T08:17:08.702-07:00Parallels between Jim Crow and current BSA Discrimination?This article points to the dilemma we all face (it is addressing the United Methodist Church, but the situation is synonymous to that in the BSA, LDS and other institutions who hold the right to discriminate as a higher virtue): <a href="http://hackingchristianity.net/2014/09/echoes-of-jim-crow-in-the-united-methodist-church.html">Echoes of Jim Crow in the United Methodist Church</a>.
<br/><br/>
The comments are worth the read as well.
<br/><br/>
How we face the "echoes of Jim Crow laws" is key--and it is on each of us to find the justifiable and defensible place for ourselves, in front of our peers, and before the judgment of the generations to come.
<br/><br/>
For my own involvement in these institutions, I strive always for this: To work constantly and directly towards a fully-inclusive future, and otherwise to facilitate an "underground railroad" providing a route to safety and freedom for the oppressed and for those forced to oppress if they remain.
<br/><br/>
There is a test to know when we are collaborating with the status quo, or taking advantage of a closeted or privileged position: If after every participation in the discriminating organization we come away thinking perhaps the words spoken or actions taken on that specific day are likely to bring about the desired institutional change, or to lead to your own expulsion from the organization, that is when we know we have stepped into the uncertainty and taken the risks required for change. It doesn't require a majority of us to live dangerously, and to take the leap of faith, but it does require some of us.
<br/><br/>
When enough of us predicate our continued participation in this way the change becomes inevitable, and the discrimination will end.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-28246773605930664012014-08-27T20:34:00.000-07:002014-08-27T20:39:24.238-07:00Superintendent declares Seattle Public Schools will End Affiliation with Boy Scouts of AmericaSometimes change comes slowly, even when the laws are in place and the policies already written that require change in a timely way. Sometimes the reason for the change, and the scope of the change is fully acknowledged, and other times the reasons become obscured.<br/><br/>
Here is what I'm talking about: District policy requires prompt action within published time-frames. I wrote to the district in May--they requested additional time, and then agreed change was needed in July. I requested confirmation from the Superintendent--policy requires a prompt response, with the change actually implemented within 30 days. Here we are two months later.
The letter you'll read below is reasonably straight-forward. It is clear that the Superintendent is going to end the affiliation with the Boy Scout of America (BSA) based on the concerns raised with the school district back in May. I was gratified to finally received this letter via e-mail (even though it never arrived in the post as promised, and required some persistence on my part to have it finally sent).<br/><br/>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVE0K3ELkmo/U_6VaLKfCPI/AAAAAAAAPcA/1H0gBNDAiVU/s1600/LetterFromSuperintendentNyland.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVE0K3ELkmo/U_6VaLKfCPI/AAAAAAAAPcA/1H0gBNDAiVU/s320/LetterFromSuperintendentNyland.JPG" /></a>
<br />
<blockquote>
August 18, 2014<br />
<br />
Mr. Geoffrey McGrath<br />
Seattle, WA 98118<br />
<br />
RE: POST at Garfield High School<br />
<br />
Dear Mr. McGrath,<br />
<br />
Thank you for bringing your concern about the POST program at Garfield High School to the attention of our staff. Our staff, led by Mr. Larry Dorsey, reviewed this course offering and determined that the affiliation of the Boy Scouts of America with a credit-bearing course is not appropriate. Therefore, we are taking steps to end the affiliation before the start of the 2013-2014 school year.<br /><br />
It is our plan to transition this offering into an environmental education course for the students who have enrolled in POST. In order to make this transition, the content of the course will be evaluated by our Career & Technical Education (CTE) program manager to ensure the content is sufficient to provide course credit. In addition, we are working with our Risk Management office to determine the insurance needed for this type of course. As long as the course is worthy of credit and the district is able to obtain sufficient insurance, we will transition to an environmental education course for the 2014-2015 school year. If it is not, the course will be dropped and the students will be reassigned to other courses.<br />
<br />
Again, thank you for your concern and I hope this answers your questions. Mr. Dorsey will be available to keep you updated as we work on this transition.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
(signed)<br />
Dr. Larry Nyland<br />
Superintendent</blockquote>
While the letter doesn't address my concerns about the Scoutreach(tm) program, it is clear they intend the POST program to be re-implemented without BSA's involvement. If you look at my prior blog entries the district arrived at this decision and wrote about it back in early July. Curiously, the district never informed the instructor (I hear he was called by the press today about it, and likely was distressed to hear first from them rather than from his superiors).<br/><br/>
Today a member of the press stopped by to get my reaction. He tells me the district told him that they were making program changes not because of discrimination, but because of problems related to academic rigor. I think they suggested that discrimination had nothing to do with it, and even claimed that the original concern was originated by a parent. The story just got published, you can read it here: <a href="http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2014/08/27/seattle-public-schools-ends-boy-scouts-affiliation/14718563/">http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2014/08/27/seattle-public-schools-ends-boy-scouts-affiliation/14718563/</a>
<br/><br/>
As far as I can tell, our new Superintendent was being straight with me, even if he has yet to be responsive with regards to the other BSA programs operating in other public schools. I don't know who the reporter spoke with--but I'm curious to find out. If it was some bureaucrat simply invented a reason then I suppose that is understandable, and they'll get their story straightened out. But if it turns out the Superintendent is inventing new reasons, then that could be an early indicator of truth-telling problems coming from the top.<br/><br/>
Either way, transparency matters. Just ask the people of Ferguson, Mo. They'll tell you. They have a tale of woe we should all be paying attention to because of the official shenanigans played out by the folks in power.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-32943712908545388642014-08-06T21:25:00.001-07:002014-08-07T11:10:29.292-07:00Scoutmaster Geoffrey McGrath Speaks at Lambda Legal Annual Reception in Seattle<style>
font-family:Arial;
</style>
I've been asked to speak, and my prepared remarks are below. Not being used to speaking from written copy I expect what is actually said may differ significantly from the plan! The event is <a href="http://www.lambdalegal.org/" target="_blank">Lambda Legal</a>'s Seattle Garden Party 2014, and they will be "serving up some fabulous cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and celebrate an unprecedented year of victories for equality following last summer's striking down of DOMA. Guests will hear updates of Lambda Legal's work on the lovely grounds of Kay Bullitt's Capitol Hill home among friends and supporters." Kevin Cathcart, Lambda Legal's Executive Director, will be there, and Pastor Monica Corsaro will receive an honor on behalf of Rainier Beach United Methodist Church for their courageous stand against the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) policy excluding openly gay adults from leadership positions.
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>Thank you</b> for your kind words. Thank you members of the board, and the Seattle Leadership Committee of Lambda Legal for your tireless work and advocacy for our cause, and for the dedicated leadership of each of you, and especially Executive Director Kevin Cathcart. Thank you Senator Jamie Pederson for your call asking the Pastor Monica Corsaro and me to join you here tonight. <b>It came like mana from heaven</b>, like a moist dew in a dry desert, and helps us all to reflect on the work that remains before us; in reaffirming our commitment to build a more just and equal society for ourselves, for our youth, and for the future. Most of all I want to thank my parents, Carl and Muiriel McGrath who are here tonight, and my husband Michael Bolasina, for their love and care and support.
<br />
<br />
Eric Holder spoke a few weeks ago at a similar event of a period of "unrelenting discrimination, harassment, and prejudice," and of an "era marked by hostility, fear, and isolation." <b>I am here to report that era continues.</b>
<br />
<br />
<b>That era continues in our town</b> in over 900 youth groups supported in part by directed giving programs via the United Way of King County. And via its refusal to insist that all contractors agree to equal opportunity in employment for LGBT individuals.
<br />
<br />
<b>That era continues in our town</b> with the ongoing refusal the greatest retailer the world has ever known to address this issue. Based here in our own community, and despite its clear policies to not fund intolerance, Amazon.com's continuing silence gives aid and comfort to an unjust status quo.
<br />
<br />
<b>That era continues in our town</b> because of the lack of enforcement in our Public Schools, who are infiltrated by an organization that is persistent in its discrimination against LGBT individuals, and in the preservation and perpetuation of of the worst stereotypes, continuing to communicate that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults are unfit to mentor, to teach, and to serve as role models for the leaders of future generations. And refusing to address the needs of LGBT youth for mentorship, nurture specific to their needs, and role models to identify with.
<br />
<br />
<b>That era continues in our town</b> because the Red Cross refuses to knowingly take our gay blood, and refuses to reform its own policies, practices, and where necessary advocate for needed changes to the law.
<br />
<br />
Nine hundred youth groups here in our community. Each one a pack, troop, ship, team or post in the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Each one administered by a straights-only workforce, with its animus-driven discriminatory rules and policies. Each one sponsored by a church, government agency or community group. And In the traditional Boy Scout programs representing 90%, all gay adults who serve are forced into the closet, and cannot serve with dignity, are forced to compromise their integrity, and through their service are forced to participate in this unjust system.
<br />
<br />
Other United Ways north of us in Snohomish County and Whatcom County refuse to collaborate, while the <b>United Way of King County continues in our town</b> to contract with the Boy Scouts of America through the shell corporation called Learning for Life.
<br />
<br />
I was speaking with my father last night, talking about the events of the past year. I was struggling to find the successes of our efforts, that I could share with you today. Feeling acutely my personal limitations, and the disappointment that <b>despite our city elder's efforts we were unable to hold the line:</b> Chief Seattle Council refused tell the National Boy Scouts of America that <b>their despicable policy ends here</b>. I hoped that when this crisis developed that our local Chief Seattle Council would hold firm, stand by their decision to found a fully inclusive scout troop, and stand with the values of our city, to show that we in this city and this council are different.
<br />
<br />
<b>My father told me,</b> "Only good can come of what's happened, and without it having happened the good that must come could not begin." He said, "Speak to your 18 year old self of 31 years ago. Talk across the generations. Because isn't that what you're doing today, and have been doing all year, in bringing inclusive scouting to your neighborhood, and by example to the nation?"
<br />
<br />
<b>And so I am here to report</b> to you today a great joy in my life, a personal blessing that I hope will in turn bless others:
<br />
<br />
Thirty-one years ago there was <b>no one I knew</b>; no one in my family, my school, my church or my scout troop, who I knew to be gay. When I was 18 I was completely alone. Completely in the closet--so isolated and afraid of that I could not even think the words, or contemplate the possibility that I my sexual orientation was non-normative.
<br />
<br />
Today things have changed. Youth come out much earlier on average, and many have good support in their families, neighborhoods, schools and churches. Equal employment opportunity is becoming normative many parts of the nation. Equal marriage is the law of the land in many states, and SCOTUS willing soon in the entire nation. Except for scouting.
<br />
<br />
Together the pastor and I, our church community and the Rainier Beach neighborhood dared to dream a new dream. In bringing a new youth group to our neighborhood, we envisioned a small part<b>--the smallest part of our effort--</b>to include scouting shedding its discrimination against LGBT participation. We implemented that vision in full partnership with Chief Seattle Council. And when they could not stand up to the foul wind blowing out of Texas, from the National Headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America, we managed the transition to truly a inclusive program that had our back, that would defend, support and nurture all our members.
<br />
<br />
I stand before you today in a new uniform, different from the one I wore as a child, as a youth, and earlier this year in the BSA. I introduce you to the <a href="http://bpsa-us.org/" target="_blank">Baden-Powell Service Association</a>, a traditional scouting organization, part of the international scouting movement. A member of the World Federation of Independent Scouts. <b>Troop 98 of the BSA is reborn</b> as the 98th Rainier Scout Group. <b>Boys and girls scout together</b> in full participation and equal dignity. Our gay parents, and their children are fully embraced. Our straight and gay youth have appropriate role models, and support, guidance and nurturance specific to their needs. We are scouting today with joy and energy, living the scout Law and Promise that Baden-Powell developed over a century ago, and generations of scouts have cherished ever since.
<br />
<br />
Our transition hasn't been for free--new uniforms and scout handbooks cost money---you can help with that by donating to the youth on your way out. In return you will receive a special commemorative patch.
<br />
<br />
Lambda Legal and assembled guests, thank you for this recognition, and for drawing attention and helping carry water for so many years on this issue, on the proposition that <b>all are and by rights ought to be equal</b>. Equal in membership, participation and service. Equal in visibility. Equal in dignity.
</blockquote>
Individuals wishing to help defray the unexpected costs of re-uniforming our youth, and other costs of implementing scouting in our neighborhood, donations are most welcome, and can be made either by Paypal to the <a href="mailto:geoffrey.mcgrath@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scoutmaster</a> directly or tax-deductible donations can be made via the church website (see the donate button at <a href="http://rainierbeachumc.org/door/">http://rainierbeachumc.org/door/</a>). Contact me directly if you have equipment or other items to donate. And thanks for your support!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-73831408752123618532014-07-19T02:00:00.000-07:002014-07-21T09:07:38.936-07:00Real-life Struggles at Scout Camp<style>
font-family:Arial;
</style>
<br />
<div class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdGTpvjGUR4/U8quCpXhYRI/AAAAAAAAPMk/zkwkHL603dE/s1600/20131123_082405%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdGTpvjGUR4/U8quCpXhYRI/AAAAAAAAPMk/zkwkHL603dE/s1600/20131123_082405%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Scout camp. We want it to be about fun and skills. New friendships and care-free days and nights. With the only worry being how well the skit that's been worked on all week will be received by fellow campers, and whether the mess hall will cook enough grub for third-helpings. Mostly out of sight and mind are complications, including the complication of discrimination against some campers and some staff members. But for some those complications are constantly just under the surface. And sometimes the complications become the most important thing in their world. To illustrate, here is a concern received from a BSA scout camper, written by a gay kid who works there. A kid who will be forced out of his job this year or next because of the policies reported in the press <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boy-scouts-cut-age-limit-18-move-will-impact-gays-n110521">http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boy-scouts-cut-age-limit-18-move-will-impact-gays-n110521</a>. His concern demonstrates the deeply complicated position that gay kids are in--where they cannot advocate effectively for themselves, and feel compelled to quash advocacy efforts of others to prevent their own precarious position from unraveling. Here are his words (edited to protect his privacy):</div>
<blockquote>
I noted your post on the Facebook page of scout camp where I work. As someone intent on moving equality forward, I know you would like to hear how your efforts are being received by those you are reaching out to, in this case the Camp staff and Directors. I was in the office doing work when the Program Director called me in to talk to me about your post. Yup, the Program Director is gay.<br />
The Camp Director is also gay.
<br />
<br />
I am employed at this camp and I too am gay. I'm also totally out.
<br />
<br />
I don't broadcast my being gay out of personal preference, but my director, Scout Executive and the entire camp staff know it. None have taken any action against me. It is commonly discussed here, my boyfriend came to visit openly last week, and all is well. In other words, my scout camp, its staff, and my Council are doing what they can to keep openly gay scouts in the program.
<br />
<br />
A official public post against the policy by the camp director is simply impossible at this point as it would accomplish little other than many losing their jobs. While the entire camp staff of 70+ strongly supports equality, your post angered many, and in fact caused many to speak out against, and not in favor of the Scouting equality movement.
<br />
<br />
In this case, your post did little to nothing to move equality forward. If anything, and I assure you of this, it angered several gay members of our camp staff, isolated many supporters of scouting equality, and overall made them far less positive about scouting equality. It brought us farther from our goal. </blockquote>
It is the first task of the LGBT youth to do what they must to safely achieve adulthood, accomplishing the normal developmental tasks of all adolescents, and eventually achieve independence and stability. For many this requires living a secret life, or coming out only to a select few trusted peers. Others are more fortunate, and can come out more generally. But youth members of BSA are at significant risk if they should come out, lest their status "become a distraction." And many, as in this case, feel they must align themselves against their own self interest to preserve their place in the hetero-normative culture of the Boy Scouts of America.
<br />
<br />
The task and responsibility of employees, program and camp directors, and scout executives is different. Their task is to build the program, to make it safe for all participants. To mark out danger areas such as ax yards, swimming holes and rifle ranges in the time-tested ways. And also to be clear about the level of support and defense that their LGBT participants and employees actually have. To not be coy or cagey about it. To be straight about it, and uncomplicated, and to speak the truth. If the truth hurts, then it is on them to make the change. Indeed, it is on each of us, as none of us can escape our responsibility in this.
<br />
<br />
I wish I could explain to this young man that the support he imagines exists for him at his camp isn't really there, not if it is so fragile that my Facebook rating (who looks at those, anyways?) of the camp he works at is damaged by it. I wish he could see how corrosive the effects of these policies are on the souls of all scouts, and how corrosive it is on the leadership in his council and at his camp. I wish I could help him shake those effects off--help him stand up free of the shackles that bind him, that compel him to speak out in favor of his own silence, and that cause him to be complicit in creating the prison that binds him.
<br />
<br />
This camp like so many others is run by well meaning people who happen to be gay. This cam like so many others another example of the lack of justification of the anti-gay membership and employment policy, A policy predicated simply on animus from the BSA towards gays, and the inconvenience it causes in their relationships with their religious partners. The problem is the policy, not the personnel. The problem isn't what people wish for or their personal attitudes. It is institutional. Institutional bias is established in practice and policy, and wishing for change doesn't make change. Institutional change requires hard work--the work of individuals and groups, internally and externally, and the engagement of legal systems and other institutions as necessary to end the institutional bias, and corruption it causes.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-46184031934303736902014-07-16T18:07:00.001-07:002014-08-11T12:34:08.195-07:00Unauthorized BPSA Quick Start: Converting Your Non-BPSA Scouts, Guides, or Other Group to a BPSA Group<style>
*{
font-family: Arial;
line-height: 1.15;
}
h2{color:darkgreen;}
input{width:40px}
</style>
<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>So you’re thinking about taking your unit of scouts, guides or other youth group and together becoming a new scout group with the Baden-Powell Service Association. Good for you! It can be a little daunting, but here’s the steps for getting it done. As the leader of your group, in BPSA you will be the Group Scoutmaster (GSM)--and it is part of the role of the GSM to register the group into the BPSA system.</p>
<p>During the transition, the thing to keep in mind is to maximize the excitement and fun and to minimize the hassle and uncertainty. Perhaps the best way to do this is to agree together to get this done, collect the funds to accomplish it, and then bulk-register the membership and bulk-order the manuals and uniforms. Of course, having each individual register themselves and order their own kit works too--the fun part of being a Group Scoutmaster is that you get to decide (with input as needed from others).</p>
<p><b>Note:</b> These are the <b>minimum steps</b> for porting a fully functioning group across.</p>
<p><b>Budget Note:</b> Sometimes budget considerations are primary--in which case the cost of handbooks, uniforms and neckers can all be deferred. Not being uniformed doesn't prevent a group from taking shape, and planning a way to raise money for uniforms and books make great initial projects for your new Group.</p>
<h2>10 Steps Forward--March!</h2>
<p><b>1. Choose a name. Time estimate: 4 minutes.</b> Your unit name can be based on the unit name/number from your old association, or you can make up something new. Here are some example names to consider--follow a similar form:</p>
<blockquote>
55th Cascadia<br/>
98th Rainier<br/>
69th Rangers<br/>
<p><b>Pro Tip:</b> Take as much time and consult as many people as needed to choose your name. Check out names on <a href="http://www.scout-finder.bpsa-us.org/">Scout-Finder</a>. The 4 minute estimate is basically provided <i><b>for entertainment purposes only</b></i>--unless you ALREADY KNOW what the name should be. Remember, it is a number in the ordinal form (-th, -st, -nd) followed by a word or short phrase. The word or short phrase should be something memorable and/or local. It might be geographical or geological or historical or patriotic. The number might be based on your prior unit number, latitude, longitude, postal code, date, or lucky number, etc. Prefer shorter numbers to longer numbers. The number should be a whole number--so sorry, can’t use Pi (grin).</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>2. Familiarize Yourself. Time Estimate: 2 hours.</b> Browse through the <a href="http://bpsa-us.org/">BPSA website</a>, review each of the programs (<a href=http://bpsa-us.org/program/otter">Otter</a>, <a href="http://bpsa-us.org/program/timberwolf">Timberwolf</a>, <a href="http://bpsa-us.org/program/pathfinder">Pathfinder</a>, <a href="http://bpsa-us.org/program/rover">Rover</a>). Read the Rover handbook (quickly, don’t get bogged down--you already know most of this stuff. This is your high-level review).</p>
<p><b>3. Register Yourself. Time Estimate: 5 minutes.</b> Here is the Rover registration link: <a href="http://bpsa-us.org/individual-registration/">http://bpsa-us.org/individual-registration</a>. You’ll need to have at least two adults registered to be a functioning scout group--might as well register the second adult now. Add 5 more minutes per adult. <b>Cost per adult: $20</b></p>
<p><b>4. Register Group Charter. Time Estimate: 3 minutes.</b> Here is the link to register a group charter: <a href="http://bpsa-us.org/bpsa-group-charter/">http://bpsa-us.org/bpsa-group-charter</a>. Note: there is no requirement for a charter organization--as the GSM you are the charter holder. <b>Cost for Charter: $35</b></p>
<p>Congratulations, with two adults registered and your Charter application complete, you are now a BPSA Scout Group. Depending on which part of the country you live in you’ll want to immediately reach out to your region Commissioner. Not sure who that is? Just ask one of us we’ll help you get it sorted out. </p>
<p><b>NOTE:</b> Be aware that the registration system may not (yet) send information back to you. So whenever you register anyone be sure and keep a separate copy for your own records.</p>
<p><b>5. Register the remaining adults. Time Estimate: 5 minutes each.</b> This is easily accomplished if you have their information in-hand prior to starting. All registered adults register as “Rovers.” NOTE: All adult registrations are provisional pending completion of a background check that will be completed by the BPSA-US.org. <b>Cost per adult: $20</b></p>
<p><b>6. Register the remaining youth: Time Estimate: 5 minutes each.</b> This is easily accomplished if you have their information in-hand prior to starting. <b>Cost per youth: $20.</b> Here are the age-breaks for each section:</p>
<blockquote>
<table>
<tr><td>Otter: </td><td>5-6 years old</td></tr>
<tr><td>Timberwolf: </td><td>7-10 years old</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pathfinder: </td><td>12-17 years old</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rover: </td><td>18 years old and over</td></tr>
</table>
</blockquote>
<p><b>7. Order Manuals. Time Estimate: 10 minutes:</b> Scout handbooks can be downloaded in PDF Format for free, of course everyone loves having a physical copy. I recommend the spiral bound--save two bucks and buy in bulk orders of 10:</p>
<blockquote>
<table>
<tr><td></td><td><u><b>Cost</b></u></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://baden-powell-service-assoc-quartermasters.myshopify.com/collections/timberwolf-starter-package/products/timberwolf-handbook-spiral-bound">Timberwolf Handbook - Spiral Bound</a> </td><td>$16.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://baden-powell-service-assoc-quartermasters.myshopify.com/collections/handbooks/products/pathfinder-handbook-a5-format-spiral-bound">Pathfinder Handbook (A5 Format) - Spiral Bound</a> </td><td>$14.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://baden-powell-service-assoc-quartermasters.myshopify.com/collections/handbooks/products/rover-handbook-a5-format-spiral-bound">Rover Handbook (A5 format) - Spiral Bound</a> </td><td>$13.00 each</td></tr>
</table>
</blockquote
<p><b>8. Get uniforms. Time Estimate: 2 hours.</b> For getting it done quickly I recommend getting sizes for everyone and buying in bulk. You’ll need to order hats, shirts, various badges and pins for each member. The <a href="http://baden-powell-service-assoc-quartermasters.myshopify.com/">quartermaster</a> usually takes 10 days to three weeks to fulfill each order and get it delivered to you.</p>
<blockquote>
<table>
<tr><td><u><b>Rovers</b></u> </td><td><u><b>Cost</b></u></td></tr>
<tr><td>Rover or Pathfinder LS Shirt for men </td><td>$34.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>'B-P Service Association' Name Strip </td><td>$0.75 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>WFIS Badge </td><td>$1.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>BPSA Hat Pin </td><td>$4.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>Green Beret </td><td>$12.49 each</td></tr>
<tr><td><u><b>Pathfinders</b></u> </td><td><u><b>Cost</b></u></td></tr>
<tr><td>Pathfinder LS Shirt for men </td><td>$34.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>'B-P Service Association' Name Strip </td><td>$0.75 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>WFIS Badge </td><td>$1.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>BPSA Hat Pin </td><td>$4.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red Beret </td><td>$12.49 each</td></tr>
<tr><td><u><b>Timberwolf</b></u> </td><td><u><b>Cost</b></u></td></tr>
<tr><td>Recommended LS Shirt for Timberwolves </td><td>$6.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>WFIS Badge </td><td>$1.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>Timberwolf Six and Otter Den Flash </td><td>$0.50 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>Recommended Ball Cap for Timberwolves - Small </td><td>$6.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td><u><b>Otter</b></u> </td><td><u><b>Cost</b></u></td></tr>
<tr><td>Recommended LS Shirt for Otter </td><td>$6.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>WFIS Badge </td><td>$1.00 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>Timberwolf Six and Otter Den Flash </td><td>$0.50 each</td></tr>
<tr><td>Recommended Ball Cap for Otter - Small </td><td>$6.00 each</td></tr>
</table>
</blockquote>
<p>Additionally, you’ll want to order your custom group flash. it will cost you $60 for 50 patches, at this <a href="http://baden-powell-service-assoc-quartermasters.myshopify.com/products/group-flash-custom">link: http://baden-powell-service-assoc-quartermasters.myshopify.com/products/group-flash-custom</a>.</p>
<p><b>NOTE:</b> You will likely want a “round brown” <a href="http://baden-powell-service-assoc-quartermasters.myshopify.com/products/wool-felt-campaign-hat-us-style-montana-peak">campaign hat</a> for yourself--but that’s an additional $55.</p>
<p><b>Pro Tip:</b> This goes quickly if you have head sizes and shirt sizes for each person, and if someone can cover the costs to make a bulk order. Otherwise each individual can certainly order their own as they’re able, and the GSM only worries about getting their personal uniform and the custom group flash.</p>
<p><b>Reminder:</b> Not being uniformed doesn't prevent a group from taking shape. Planning a way to raise money for uniforms and books make great initial projects for the new Group.</p>
<p><b>9. Design and order your Neckers. Time Estimate: 20 minutes.</b> (Or reuse your old ones if you have them--of course you must cover any non-BPSA logos). Instructions here: <a href="http://bpsa-us.ning.com/group/scout-groups-leaders/page/group-necker-colors-designs">http://bpsa-us.ning.com/group/scout-groups-leaders/page/group-necker-colors-designs</a>. Cost is $16 each, or even better get your local quilting bee to make them at about half the cost. Note that “official” dress neckers have a prescribed design that is noted in the link (above)</p>
<p><b>10. Assign adult leaders</b> to each of the Sections--and have them plan for meetings at least twice a month for each section. Perhaps you only staff a Timberwolf section to start--that’s cool! Grow the other sections as you are able. Meetings can be held out-of-doors at local parks. Second best is in a members home or at a local meeting hall or church, etc.</p>
<h2>Accept Responsibility</h2>
<p>BPSA does not provide insurance. You may want to seek insurance for your scout group, or rely on your homeowners coverage. Or partner with an existing neighborhood organization such as a club or church and benefit from their insurance. Eventually group insurance will be provided by BPSA, but it isn’t available yet.</p>
<h2>High-level Cost Estimator</h2>
<p>I've included this high-level cost estimator to help figure out the basic kit costs for your unit. The estimator includes the uniform, neckerchief, handbook, and membership costs, per person, as well as the group flash and charter fee. As always it's possible to not include uniform and handbook costs up front:</p>
<blockquote>
<table>
<tr>
<td><u><b>Section</b></u></td>
<td><u><b>Cost</b></u></td>
<td><u><b>Number</b></u></td>
<td><u><b>Subtotal</b></u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rover:</td>
<td>$115</td></td>
<td><input id="idRoverCount" value="0" onchange="calc()"/></td>
<td id="idRoverST"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pathfinder:</td>
<td>$115</td></td>
<td><input id="idPathfinderCount" value="0" onchange="calc()"/></td>
<td id="idPathfinderST"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Timberwolf:</td>
<td>$ 49</td></td>
<td><input id="idTimberwolfCount" value="0" onchange="calc()"/></td>
<td id="idTimberwolfST"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Otter:</td>
<td>$ 51</td></td>
<td><input id="idOtterCount" value="0" onchange="calc()"/></td>
<td id="idOtterST"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Group Flash + Charter:</td>
<td>$ 95</td></td>
<td>50 patches</td>
<td id="idGroupST"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Total:</b><button onclick="calc()">Calculate</button><button onclick="reset()">Reset</button></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td id="idGroupT" style="font-weight:bold;">$ 0</td>
</tr>
</table>
</blockquote>
<script>
function reset()
{
idRoverCount.value = 0;
idPathfinderCount.value = 0;
idTimberwolfCount.value = 0;
idOtterCount.value = 0;
calc();
}
function calc()
{
var RoverCost = 115 * idRoverCount.value;
var PathfinderCost = 115 * idPathfinderCount.value;
var TimberwolfCost = 49 * idTimberwolfCount.value;
var OtterCost = 49 * idOtterCount.value;
var GroupCost = 35 + 60;
idRoverST.innerText = "$" + RoverCost;
idPathfinderST.innerText = "$" + PathfinderCost;
idTimberwolfST.innerText = "$" + TimberwolfCost;
idOtterST.innerText = "$" + OtterCost;
idGroupST.innerText = "$" + GroupCost;
idGroupT.innerText = "$" + (RoverCost + PathfinderCost + TimberwolfCost + OtterCost + GroupCost);
}
calc();
</script>
<h2>Summary</h2>
<p>You’re now ready to hold your first Group scout meeting in the Baden-Powell Service Association. You don’t have to wait for your uniforms, neckerchiefs and handbooks--you can get started right away. You have a wide world of traditional scouting fun ahead of you--between getting your uniforms squared away and preparing new unit banners and signage, learning your scout handbook and sharing all the skills and proficiencies, you've got the whole year and more ahead of you to get things sorted out. The best part is you've made the transition to fully inclusive, traditional scouting. It's a big step (ok, 10 steps!) but it's something you can be proud of and not feel the slightest bit complicated about.</p>
<p>See you around, scout!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-45896353558239083862014-07-09T17:36:00.000-07:002014-07-29T15:24:45.822-07:00Seattle Public Schools to End Affiliation with BSA<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px;">Chief Seattle Council and the Boy Scouts of America have refused to end their discriminatory membership and employment practices. They have instead opted to accept that Seattle Public School (SPS) must end its affiliation with BSA. See prior posts at:</span>
<br />
<ul><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px;">
<li><a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/open-letter-to-seattle-public-schools.html" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px; text-decoration: none;">http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/open-letter-to-seattle-public-schools.html</a></li>
<li><a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-schools-believes-it-does.html" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px; text-decoration: none;">http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-schools-believes-it-does.html</a></li>
<li><a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-school-continues.html" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px;">http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-school-continues.html</a>).</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px;">
Implementation details are expected to follow, and will be posted as they become available. It is expected the youth will experience little operational change to their outdoor program as curricula, insurance and other course materials are readily available from other sources. Chief Seattle Council was unavailable for comment.<br />
<br />
Here is the letter received today:
</span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px;">Dorsey, Larry <br />
To: Geoffrey McGrath<br />
Cc: Sechrist, Calandra; Ruiz, Bernardo; Boy, Ronald D<br />
<br />
Wed, Jul 9, 2014 at 4:02 PM<br />
<br />
Mr. McGrath,<br />
<br />
Thank you for working with Seattle Public Schools in your efforts to make our schools better. Over the past few weeks we have conducted many meetings and have done a great deal of investigation regarding your concern. As you can imagine, every course is structured with many layers from personnel to supplies so there are a number of issues that are being considered as we conduct this inquiry. Further, as you may know, we are in a transitional period as our Superintendent has accepted a new position and we are in the process of hiring a new Superintendent for our District.<br />
<br />
With that said, I would like to give you an update on the current status of this investigation and the next steps for the District. At this point, we have concluded that we shall advise our Superintendent to end any affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America in relation to credit-earning courses. We will continue to follow federal law and allow organizations to use our facilities after school hours pursuant to our facility use policy. We are currently working with our Risk Management and Curriculum and Instruction departments to determine the instructional material and insurance needs of an outdoor recreation credit-earning course. We will keep you updated on the progress and thank you again for your cooperation in this matter.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
<br />
Larry Dorsey <br />
Ronald D. Boy<br />
Assistant General Counsel<br />
Seattle Public Schools<br />
John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence<br />
2445 3rd Avenue South<br />
Seattle, WA 98124<br />
(206) 252-0114<br />
<br />
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.<br />
George Orwell</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.47px;">
Your comments and concerns are welcome--add them to the comment section below. I'll do my best to research answers to specific questions and welcome other's research as well.<br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-84701419295152922622014-06-18T17:31:00.000-07:002014-06-20T15:18:48.167-07:00Seattle Public School Continues Investigation into Claims it is Breaking the LawSeattle Public Schools has re-opened its investigation into whether the Garfield POST program violates the state law (see prior posts: <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/open-letter-to-seattle-public-schools.html">http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/open-letter-to-seattle-public-schools.html</a>, <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-schools-believes-it-does.html">http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-schools-believes-it-does.html</a>), seeking fourteen more days to collect evidence and attempt to redress the problems. Here are the details discussing why the investigation was re-opened. Recall that this program is funded at least in part through a grant by the United Way of King County--<a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/does-united-way-of-king-county-support.html" target="_blank">who to dated has refused to address the discrimination issue</a>:<br />
<br />
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 7:45 AM, Dorsey, Larry wrote:<br />
Dear Mr. McGrath,<br />
<br />
Based on your most <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-schools-believes-it-does.html" target="_blank">recent email</a> I am going to ask you for additional time to investigate the POST program at Garfield High School. I am not personally aware or involved in the things you have mentioned and would like to investigate this matter further to inquire if the program complies with District policy and law. Please let me know if this is acceptable to you.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Larry Dorsey<br />
<br />
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 10:30 AM McGrath, Geoffrey wrote:<br />
Dear Mr. Dorsey,<br />
<br />
I am certainly interested in SPS conducting a thorough review of the out-of-compliance and illegal inter-operation currently existing between SPS and BSA with or without it's LFL subsidiary. How much time are you requesting?<br />
<br />
To help facilitate your investigation, you may prefer to contact Scott [redacted], Garfield POST advisor listed at the contact number on their public website: <a href="http://www.ghspost.org/contact">http://www.ghspost.org/contact</a>: (206) 660-[redacted]<br />
<br />
Be aware the SPS school advisor associated with the program is currently being voted on by the students--that decision has not yet been announced.<br />
<br />
Scott can confirm to you that POST meets daily during school hours for class credit, inter-ops with BSA through their employee named [redacted] (District Executive of Thunderbird District of Chief Seattle Council, 206-902-[redacted]), is unaware of Learning For Life or the LFL acronym, makes use of BSA training materials, forms, and insurance, etc. I expect these facts can be fully investigated in fairly short order. Your further investigation might extend to the role of BSA/CSC/LFL in Franklin High School's outdoor program, to include finding if there is any during-school-day use of training materials, curricula or other schools in the district.<br />
<br />
You should be able to ascertain these facts rather quickly, and then prepare a public statement regarding intention to rectify this shortly. That public statement is needed, how much time do you require?<br />
<br />
Yours, <br />
Geoffrey McGrath<br />
<br />
<br />
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 2:25 PM, Dorsey, Larry wrote:<br />
Dear Mr. McGrath –<br />
<br />
Thank you for bringing this information to my attention. It does appear that a further review needs to be conducted. I am requesting fourteen (14) working days which would bring us to the 9th of July. You can expect a reply by then or sooner.<br />
<br />
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns.<br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
Larry Dorsey<br />
<br />
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 2:35 PM, Geoffrey McGrath wrote:<br />
Dear Mr. Dorsey,<br />
You are in the process of developing the facts that will be used to influence policy in the days and years to come, and preparing those facts to stand up to a rigorous challenge in this matter from either side of the issue, regardless of decision-making at your level, at the board level, or elsewhere, is needed. I appreciate the work you are doing and a fourteen-day extension beyond the normal time-frames established in policy and statute makes sense and is acceptable.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Geoffrey McGrathAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-68904484452420861012014-06-13T14:32:00.001-07:002014-06-13T16:52:17.506-07:00Seattle Public Schools Believes It Does Not Have to Comply with State Law Regarding Employment DiscriminationSeveral weeks ago <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/open-letter-to-seattle-public-schools.html" target="_blank">I wrote to the Seattle Public Schools</a> to understand why they were breaking the law in providing access to the BSA, well-known for it's employment practices discriminating against LGBT people. This is their response:<br />
<blockquote>
<br /></blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dear Mr. McGrath, <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ietFG0jJ52w/U5to1VrbeSI/AAAAAAAAOpc/EIdPJPGT7GY/s1600/SEattle+Public+Schools+Response+Re+BSA.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ietFG0jJ52w/U5to1VrbeSI/AAAAAAAAOpc/EIdPJPGT7GY/s320/SEattle+Public+Schools+Response+Re+BSA.PNG" unselectable="on" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Received via e-mail 2:01 pm June 13/2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of Seattle Public School facilities by programs associated with the Boy Scouts of America and the Chief Seattle Council. We are aware of the concerns of discriminatory practices by programs associated with the Boy Scouts of America and appreciate your concern. As a school district, a large part of our funding for education comes from the federal government. Also, as I am sure you are aware, federal law trumps state and local laws. With that understanding, in 2002 the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, Section 9525 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of A965, as amended by Section 901 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 became Federal law. The law applies to public elementary and secondary schools, local educational agencies, and State educational agencies that receive Federal funds made available through the Department of Education. Under the Boy Scouts Act, which became effective on January 8, 2002, no such public school, LEA, or SEA that provides an opportunity for one or more outside youth or community groups to meet on school premises or in school facilities shall deny access or a fair opportunity to, or discriminate against, any group officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, or any other group listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society, that wishes to meet at the school. <br />
<br />
Seattle Public Schools must follow the law. Because we provide many youth and community groups the opportunity to use our District buildings, we must allow programs associated with the Boy Scouts as well. By denying the Boy Scouts, we would also be forced to deny all associations. In the end, this would prevent our students and families from accessing many very beneficial programs and would in the end harm our students. <br />
Again, thank you for your concern and inquiry into our practices. I hope this information has answered your questions and I thank you for the work you do for our students. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Larry Dorsey Civil Rights Compliance Officer </blockquote>
This reading of the law by SPS is flawed, in that it only applies to access to the physical plant before or after standard instructional hours (see <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/boyscouts.html">http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/boyscouts.html</a>). The details in the ECFR don't change that (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=34:1.2.1.1.6&idno=34">http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=34:1.2.1.1.6&idno=34</a>), making the claims by SPS regarding their during-school-hours BSA and/or LFL programs fully problematic. Additional suspect areas include any non-rented associated equipment storage, as well as approved during-school extra-curricular activities associated with such programs. <br />
<br />
BSA/LFL are involved in SPS schools during school hours. For starters, there is the Garfield High School POST program (<a href="http://www.ghspost.org/">http://www.ghspost.org</a>). I could imagine a series of interrogatories that would establish certain facts:<br />
<ol>
<li>When are meetings?</li>
<li>How many kids?</li>
<li>What adults are involved (SPS/BSA?)</li>
<li>Who is the BSA/LFL liaison (scouting professional)?</li>
<li>When are activities?</li>
<li>Where is equipment stored?</li>
<li>Who owns the equipment?</li>
<li>Is there a document for review?</li>
<li>What about employment discrimination?</li>
<li>Are kids registered with BSA?</li>
<li>If BSA forms are used...they were developed by discriminating org...</li>
<li>Produce a copy of the contract...</li>
</ol>
Federal law does not apply to LFL contracts nor BSA contracts with the districts, as they are for accessing curriculum-based program materials that is paid for by the school district. The same is true with Exploring, in as much as it is sponsored by the district/school. The district has chosen to sponsor an Exploring Post and pay BSA for LFL materials and program administration conducted by their paid professionals. Federal law does not require the school district to do so. The districts use of those materials as administered by paid BSA and/or LFL "executives," including Scoutreach, is a violation of state law for activities that have no protection in federal law. Again, NCLB has no bearing on LFL and/or Exploring, in these instances. I cannot tell if this is simply misunderstood by the respondent, or if a hand-wave is being attempted in the response.<br />
<br />
Federal law only applies to the situation where an Explorer Post that is organized by the community--not the school--wanted to use school facilities. Their response addresses that particular case--which is not what I asserted--I agree that under federal law, the district may have to treat them like any other community organization. If they do not charge a facility fee to such organizations, they cannot charge the Post, they also must charge the Post if they charge a facility fee to other community organizations.<br />
<br />
In the case of the POST program at Garfield (for example), as long as there is no special access during school hours, nor any special accommodation that is not equally available to all comers at the same cost (such as storage of equipment, use of district vehicles, computers, etc.), then the district may rely on federal law, in-as-much as that law is constitutional (it isn't, but that would likely have to be proved).<br />
<br />
Beyond the facts established by answers to these question there is this: Can Federal law provide special access to employment discriminators overriding the constitutionally provided equal protection of all citizens? Imagine the worst case where all employment (except perhaps governmental) were associated with private organizations such as the BSA--and all of those employers refused to employ LGBT people--without the means to secure a livelihood all such people would be unprotected in our society.<br />
<br />
Naturally, this correspondence will be forwarded on to the appropriate parties for their consideration, and to prepare to work through the appeal to the Seattle Public School board.<br />
<br />
<img height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ietFG0jJ52w/U5to1VrbeSI/AAAAAAAAOpc/EIdPJPGT7GY/s320/SEattle+Public+Schools+Response+Re+BSA.PNG" style="left: 488px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 550px;" width="96" />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ietFG0jJ52w%2FU5to1VrbeSI%2FAAAAAAAAOpc%2FEIdPJPGT7GY%2Fs320%2FSEattle%2BPublic%2BSchools%2BResponse%2BRe%2BBSA.PNG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ietFG0jJ52w/U5to1VrbeSI/AAAAAAAAOpc/EIdPJPGT7GY/s320/SEattle+Public+Schools+Response+Re+BSA.PNG" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-90870491470118861692014-06-10T08:10:00.000-07:002014-06-10T08:10:49.505-07:00Chief Seattle Council Censors Negative ReviewsAttempting to control the message through censorship, rather than receiving the information and making necessary changes is very discouraging to those who want to love the BSA in Seattle, the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America has removed public accessibility to the review section on their Facebook page.<br />
<br />
This link only works for those who have already rated them. For all others, users receive a "404 - File Not Found" error code: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seattlebsa/reviews">https://www.facebook.com/seattlebsa/reviews</a>.<br />
<br />
I've preserved the reviews (below) in screenshots and transcribed text:<br />
<br />
<b>Geoffrey McGrath</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Chief Seattle Council has great facilities and programs for many youth. But the traditional Scouting program doesn't yet fully support and defend gay and lesbian adult leaders (whether professional or volunteer), which means that gay youth don't yet have access to role models within their scouting programs specific to their unique needs to help them in their path to becoming fully secure and productive members of society. If the Council can begin to develop diversity programs and improve the ability of individual units to support their diverse membership, and if it can find a way to further influence the change towards full equality and participation throughout scouting then my assessment will be changed from "very good" to "excellent." UPDATED: With Chief Seattle Council's refusal to support and defend Troop 98 and Pack 98, I can no longer rate CSC as anything but poor. The continued discrimination against LGBT people in employment and in service is appalling. If this practice changes in future I'm happy to re-evaluate this rating.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Ranesto Bello Angeles</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Show some courage and guts Chief Seattle Council like your namesake (Chief Sealth) would have done to defend his tribe. You need to support Troop 98, Geoff McGrath, and Rainier Beach United Methodist Church with leadership. Don't be complacent and compliant to an organization that discriminates. Too many generations of people (women, people of color, people with disabilties, etc.) have been hurt because influencial people were afraid to stand up for what is just and right. This is your chance, Seattle Chief Council, to be on the right side of history.</blockquote>
<b>Stephen Davis</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Continued discrimination against gay scouters, and an unwillingness to stand up for proper treatment of gay scouts. This council is on the wrong side of history.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Brian Z-g</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I do not support your discrimination and dissolving of Pack and Troop 98.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>David Green</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A scout is loyal. Stand by Troop 98 and Pack 98.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Elaine Cress</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
An organization that discriminates based on gender or sexual orientation is not in alignment with the principles of our nation. Chief Seattle BSA needs to change those policies.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Walker Lee</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Your shabby treatment of Geoffrey McGrath and Troop and Pack 98 outweighs any positives.</blockquote>
<b>Dave McGrath</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am concerned about the fact that the United Way funds Learning for Life™ and Exploring™ programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA™) and in this way funds a private non-sectarian non-religious program which discriminates against LGBT employees using both public moneys (as a contractor/vendor of Seattle Public Schools for the LFL curriculum and as a recipient of United Way Federal Campaign funds). I am concerned that this private organization bans its own members if they happen to be LGBT (re: Rainier Beach United Methodist Church (RBUMC) Troop/Pack 98. I am concerned when youth who identify as LGBTQ cannot obtain employment at Council owned camps and facilities, or if they are silent on the issue but are "outed" that they will be fired per their conditions of employment. What kind of message does that send to the kids in the program? What kind of message does that send to our community. I'll be happy to up-grade their rating when BSA's Chief Seattle Council stops "legally" discriminating against Christians and others who identify as LGBTQ. The facilities are excellent. But those excellent facilities lure kids and parents who may be LGBTQ into what is for them an unsafe environment without full prior disclosure that BSA membership policies reject identification of adults who are LGBTQ or any kid who identifying as LGBTQ makes that identification known publicly. I notice Chief Seattle Council | Boy Scouts of America has taken notice of ratings. Perhaps they will make the correct response and fix the problem that cause the honest assessment of their program. I encourage CSC to become a certified non-discriminating council. Here is where CSC can earn much merit and get a certificate suitable for framing:</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Jeannie Boatright Thompson</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You should be ashamed for discriminating against folks.</blockquote>
<b>Wendell Baker</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The volunteer council board should lead by example. As volunteers in the boy scouts it is their job to teach leadership. Is blind obedience and "no comment" really the lesson the volunteers on the board want to pass on to the youth?</blockquote>
<b>Devin Quince</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You are a disgrace to Scouting and the human race. Scouting is about kids, not your hateful agenda.</blockquote>
<b>Kenny Fudge</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Because of their choice to treat and push away any LGBT leaders.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Fred Swink</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ron Terren</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
UnlikeUnlike</blockquote>
<b>Ron Terren </b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So disappointing shame</blockquote>
<b>David Peavy</b><br />
<b>Rating: 1 star</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Edna Ebilane Crawfoot</b><br />
<b>Rating: 5 star</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Paul Laudanski</b><br />
<b>Rating: 5 star</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfD6dfmOXTE/U5cdNg_6CQI/AAAAAAAAOnE/8hIQAbzP1-k/s1600/CSC-Review-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfD6dfmOXTE/U5cdNg_6CQI/AAAAAAAAOnE/8hIQAbzP1-k/s1600/CSC-Review-1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcFv59UR2ok/U5cdNmP9eEI/AAAAAAAAOm8/OgBnMokYTh8/s1600/CSC-Review-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcFv59UR2ok/U5cdNmP9eEI/AAAAAAAAOm8/OgBnMokYTh8/s1600/CSC-Review-2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ube0Iuqd6Wk/U5cdNphF37I/AAAAAAAAOm4/4OJxpLriSmY/s1600/CSC-Review-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ube0Iuqd6Wk/U5cdNphF37I/AAAAAAAAOm4/4OJxpLriSmY/s1600/CSC-Review-3.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZFBaGbbHwA/U5cdOJ4L8ZI/AAAAAAAAOnI/VZdFGkBRBtE/s1600/CSC-Review-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZFBaGbbHwA/U5cdOJ4L8ZI/AAAAAAAAOnI/VZdFGkBRBtE/s1600/CSC-Review-4.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-36903467135810758182014-06-06T12:10:00.002-07:002014-06-06T13:11:22.371-07:00Who is the Victim?<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">The following message was posted on my timeline on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/geoffrey.mcgrath.54" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Geoff - I am offended that you write that no one from the Thunderbird District has supported your efforts. Many of us have. The issue you are confusing is providing a program for the boys and an outlet for your rightful frustration and anger with the membership decision of Scouting. While many of us disagree with that decision, and we do, we fortunately or unfortunately live in a democracy where a vote was taken and some of us were in the minority. Nevertheless, we chose to stay with Scouting. You have all the right you want to disagree with that policy. In the meantime, for us, it is about the kids. And will remain that way. /Cory </blockquote>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">My response came over several days, and after an e-mail exchange as well. I don't have leave to publish Cory's part of the e-mail exchange, but here is how I responded (sorry for the all-caps, but FB doesn't let you bold or underline):</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hey, It's OK to be offended. What I said is there was no public support by ANY MEMBER OF COUNCIL nor ANY MEMBER OF THUNDERBIRD DISTRICT other than members of those units directly affected.. The moment that changes I am happy to change my post. Nothing prevents any of you from staying in Scouting. But what prevents ALL OF YOU from withholding your vocal and robust outrage at the actions of your district, your council and BSA national? Private chest-pounding in meetings may have happened, but I haven't seen it and NO ONE ELSE IN TOWN has seen it either. Public statements are needed, why are they withheld? What is the threshold of outrage that would enable your voice? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You mentioned that many in Thunderbird District have supported my efforts. It would be good to list that support, so it can be accounted for. It is true that I have seen some non-support, and also some pseudo support, but it may well be there has been meaningful and helpful support that has been outside my view. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Support that we need but haven't seen include financial reimbursement for the cost of our lost charters, and the waste of our uniforms, support for the cost of re-uniforming our kids and staff, additional help with funding our scholarships, and completing our equipment locker and gear. Helping out with our meetings, attending our rallies, insisting that internal systems in BSA become actually responsive to our needs rather than the opposite. Refusing to permit business as usual until the crisis is resolved, nominating any member of our units who can no longer be BSA members as "honored guests" to district committees. While those things haven't happened, perhaps some other things have that we can account for now. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Another opportunity for tangible support would be for units in our District to attend Pride parade, in uniform and with your unit banners. That kind of support would be most welcome, would be very visible, would be completely appropriate and would send the message to the city at large that Troop 98 and Pack 98 are not abandoned. Will you be marching? Will Troop 15 be marching? If not will you lend us your banners and we'll march in your stead. Seattle Pride Parade is the last Sunday in June, I'd be happy to add you to the parade event for full details. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It is true there are many paths to victory on this. Advances in civil rights come through direct action and activism and exercise of power. Some people have asserted, though none have proven, that the "say only nice things approach" makes gains where a more muscular approach hasn't. I doubt there is research that supports those claims, rather that is to confuse cause and effect. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While I appreciate your in-private and behind-close-doors approach may yield improvements--my emphasis is on "may." There is no measurable improvement for the standing of Troop 98/Pack 98 in the Chief Seattle Council despite those efforts. If you think otherwise then please show me how? Of course the unofficial offers that were extended by [redacted] and yourself were welcome for their sentiment--but they were not acceptable to the RBUMC membership, any more than they were to me or the Pastor as I suggested when we met for lunch. It may be you would benefit hearing feedback from them about the offers--how they felt about them, what their thoughts were. Such a session can be scheduled--[redacted] attended one last week. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I have been unable to acknowledge secret offers made in private with no names attached, with conditions that the offers not be made public. I'm unclear how you think I can do that? What I have done is describe an anonymous offer on my blog--which you can read about here: <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-offer-from-bsa.html">http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-offer-from-bsa.html</a>. I would note that offer was slightly better than the one you made. If you intend your offer to be published then I encourage you to do so, or respond back on the prior e-mail as you indicated you would. Until offers are made in a way that makes them publically discussible, I'm uncertain how you wish I would proceed in acknowledging them? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It is correct that there is isolation occurring--very often in the face of official silence, those who remain on the inside resolve their cognitive dissonance by adopting a "blame the victim" approach. My isolation is caused by the policy, and by the public silence on the issue, by the revocation of my membership and the charters of the units. When you and others complain about my advocacy, rather than acknowledge and move to support and defend us, you are curiously putting yourself in the victim role. That kind of displacement is naturally distressing to me, and I hope you will reconsider. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You will find that as others within Chief Seattle Council speak out in ways that Rainier Beach neighborhood and the people of the City of Seattle can see, the problems you detect in my tone and advocacy will resolve. I have suggested some concrete ways that might happen (above), have you considered them, if so can we not act in cooperation? Additionally, consider that I'd be quite willing to sit on the sidelines on this, especially if we can agree on a course of action that makes sense to us all.</blockquote>
Well see if the conversation can proceed further from it's obviously blocked state. I do believe that Cory and I are natural allies, and it is sad that we have yet to find a way forward that is mutually supportive. I'm sure if I were better suited to this work we could find a way through. We probably simply need to find some time to get out in the woods together. That's what Scouting is all about after all, isn't it?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-65806375699561061642014-05-29T10:50:00.000-07:002014-05-29T14:06:43.847-07:00Does United Way of King County Support Employment Discrimination?<div class="tr_bq">
Two weeks ago <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/05/open-letter-to-united-way-of-king-county.html" target="_blank">I wrote the United Way of King County</a> (UWKC) to express my concerns that after 22 years of posturing they continue to fund the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the Chief Seattle Council (CSC) and the Learning For Life (LFL) programs. Jon Fine, CEO of UWKC was kind enough to respond as follows:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
May 22 , 2014<br />
<br />
Dear Mr. McGrath,<br />
<br />
Thank you for your support of United Way and for your letter expressing concern regarding our funding criteria as it relates to the Boy Scouts Chief Seattle Council (BSC). In the past funding cycle, United Way of King County awarded a grant to the BSC’s Learning for Life program ‘Exploring’ associated with the outcome ‘youth and young adults gain education and work skills’.<br />
<br />
United Way of King County makes funding decisions not on entitlement, relationships or long standing partnerships, but as part of a periodic, competitive process in which non-profit agencies apply to achieve outcomes in key areas that United Way has determined will make the greatest impact in our community. <br />
<br />
Agencies that receive funding from United Way are required to sign a funding contract and agree to the stipulations therein, including United Way of King County’s Non-Discrimination Compliance Measures. <br />
<br />
These contracts state that “The Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, presence of a disability or any other requirements of federal, state or local law in the delivery of service. “<br />
<br />
The Learning for Life Corporation and its Exploring program meet the criteria and d<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">o not withhold the delivery of service</span> to any person regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, economic status or citizenship, and they have signed the required contract. <br />
<br />
The Exploring program is focused on exposing middle school aged children to a range of careers and helps kids build life skills and experience at a time that is key to their development. This grant is just one of many throughout the community that is helping United Way achieve its vision that every child has an equal chance to succeed. It is part of a continuum of care that begins with the Parent-Child Home Program for two to four year olds, continues with<br />
programs that support middle grade success and ultimately helps the most vulnerable kids in our community graduate from high school on time and with the skills they need to succeed in life.<br />
<br />
The funding contracts also state that “<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The Contractor also acknowledges and understands United Way of King County’s strong commitment to and preference for contractors</span> to prohibit discrimination based age, gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, religion and presence of a disability in all areas, including governance, employment or volunteer recruitment.” <br />
<br />
United Way of King County will continue as we have consistently done to <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">encourage all organizations</span> including the Boy Scouts of America Chief Seattle Council to prohibit discrimination for any reason in all aspects of their business.<br />
<br />
I appreciate your time in reaching out to us and your input.<br />
<br />
Jon Fine<br />
CEO United Way of King County </blockquote>
Note how there is no teeth in this--that in fact employment discrimination against LGBTQ people appears to be accepted as business-as-usual. I've followed up with the following communique, and will be working to meet individually with board members in the coming week(s):<br />
<blockquote>
Sirs,</blockquote>
<blockquote>
I'm continuing to look into the matter of the funding of BSA/CSC/LFL. There is additional information needed that will help me better communicate the scope of the problem when I meet with board members in the coming week. Can you help me gather it, or indicate who I can work with to get this information? These are my questions:<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
1. What is the level of funding of CSC/LFL provided by UWKC for each of the past 5 years?</blockquote>
<blockquote>
2. Individuals can designate BSA/CSC for directed funding. How much has been designated by individuals for each of the past 5 years?</blockquote>
<blockquote>
3. In what way does UWKC track contractor employment practices to ensure non-discrimination</blockquote>
<blockquote>
4. What other non-religious employment discriminators besides BSA/CSC/LFL does UWKC contract with?</blockquote>
<blockquote>
5. What metrics are used to regarding employment discrimination among UWKC contractors?</blockquote>
<blockquote>
6. What plans to improve transparency regarding UWKC awarding contractors of employment discriminators are currently planned, what changes are expected in future?<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
7. What plans if any are there to improve employment non-discrimination going forward?</blockquote>
<blockquote>
8. How specifically does employment non-discrimination factor into awarding contracts?<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
9. What is the contract that was awarded in the most recent funding cycle to BSA/CSC/LFL. Was the contract competitive, who else competed for the contract (specific contact information requested)?</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Responsive answers to these questions will help us all improve the conditions for LGBTQ people in our county, and help establish UWKC as the leader in the nation on these issues. Additionally, similar questions are being asked of the Seattle Foundation, Seattle Public Schools, and in turn all school districts throughout the state, with the help of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Education. The era of unequal access to employment and other forms of discrimination is coming to an end, your participation secures the future.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Yours,<br />
Geoffrey C. McGrath, MSW</blockquote>
LGBTQ people in specific, and fair-minded people generally are outraged at continuing practices of employment and other forms of discrimination. You can express your own feelings on this matter by contacting <a href="http://www.uwkc.org/about/contact-us/" target="_blank">UWKC directly</a>, or by reaching out to individual <a href="http://www.uwkc.org/about/board/" target="_blank">members of the board</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-5222217559836964822014-05-28T12:30:00.003-07:002014-05-28T13:03:59.539-07:00Hate Posted Again on ChurchThis morning was the second time in a little over a week that anonymous hate messages where posted on the Rainier Beach United Methodist Church (RBUMC), \home of Troop 98 and Pack 98, fully inclusive scouting units currently unaffiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. This posting showed up last week:<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-T3jTbSXhmEE/U4Y1fY6jZmI/AAAAAAAAOFw/OyjM2aSjCpw/s640/20140518_133753_55th%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T3jTbSXhmEE/U4Y1fY6jZmI/AAAAAAAAOFw/OyjM2aSjCpw/s640/20140518_133753_55th%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a closeup--it says "I don't t'ink dee 'omosexual movement should have stolen dee rainbow colors for dare fuckin' flag in dee first place. I wish you would tag dis <u>fuckin' flag</u> down because you are an eyesore to me now and your <u>pissin' me off</u> royally! [signed] Top-5":</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-HHwyvtcFBIc/U4Y1gONUSLI/AAAAAAAAOF0/w9HbBXVINe0/s640/20140518_133743_Rainier%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HHwyvtcFBIc/U4Y1gONUSLI/AAAAAAAAOF0/w9HbBXVINe0/s640/20140518_133743_Rainier%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is what was posted this morning on the reader board. It says: "You're still pissin' me off royally, you wort'less piec-of-tit fucking losers operating out of dis crappy church rye now, you're still pissin' me off royally, you wor'less piec-of-tit fucking losers! [signed] Top-5":</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-woyebu1wmjo/U4Y1ed1LO9I/AAAAAAAAOFo/dx_tcBky3UA/s1600/20140528_071204_Rainier%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-woyebu1wmjo/U4Y1ed1LO9I/AAAAAAAAOFo/dx_tcBky3UA/s640/20140528_071204_Rainier%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And on the window by the front door: "Cvilization is a conspiracy. Modern life is a silent compact of comfortable folk to keep up pretences. -John Buchan"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-GjHDCodwHpk/U4Y1ddceG_I/AAAAAAAAOFg/jyuNXxq7Yvs/s640/20140528_071224_S%252520Roxbury%252520St.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GjHDCodwHpk/U4Y1ddceG_I/AAAAAAAAOFg/jyuNXxq7Yvs/s640/20140528_071224_S%252520Roxbury%252520St.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rather than joining in a civilized dialogue, the poster does this in the middle of the night. Such postings minimally constitute graffiti and trespassing. They are intended to cause tensions and fear between races, and across sexual orientations. That behavior is a manifestation of hate, and is a classic manifestation of a hate crime.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F-T3jTbSXhmEE%2FU4Y1fY6jZmI%2FAAAAAAAAOFw%2FOyjM2aSjCpw%2Fs640%2F20140518_133753_55th%25252520Ave%25252520S.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh3.ggpht.com/-T3jTbSXhmEE/U4Y1fY6jZmI/AAAAAAAAOFw/OyjM2aSjCpw/s640/20140518_133753_55th%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F-HHwyvtcFBIc%2FU4Y1gONUSLI%2FAAAAAAAAOF0%2Fw9HbBXVINe0%2Fs640%2F20140518_133743_Rainier%25252520Ave%25252520S.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh3.ggpht.com/-HHwyvtcFBIc/U4Y1gONUSLI/AAAAAAAAOF0/w9HbBXVINe0/s640/20140518_133743_Rainier%252520Ave%252520S.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-GjHDCodwHpk%2FU4Y1ddceG_I%2FAAAAAAAAOFg%2FjyuNXxq7Yvs%2Fs640%2F20140528_071224_S%25252520Roxbury%25252520St.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh6.ggpht.com/-GjHDCodwHpk/U4Y1ddceG_I/AAAAAAAAOFg/jyuNXxq7Yvs/s640/20140528_071224_S%252520Roxbury%252520St.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-69577793546641653092014-05-26T14:27:00.000-07:002014-06-11T10:11:32.132-07:00What is my Scouting Unit's Score of Actual Support of LGBTQ Gay People?I'd like to propose a simple scoring tool that can help you know how well your Scouting unit supports its LGBTQ gay members. Add up the total point from the items below. The goal is to score a total of 10 points. No matter where you score, tell your story in the comments below about where your Troop, Pack or Post, District or Council currently scores, and what your plans are to increase your score in future. For extra credit, propose other things that could help your unit score an 11! (See <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088258/" target="_blank">This Is Spinal Tap</a> to know more about that, lol!).<br />
<br />
If your unit is:<br />
<blockquote>
<input id="c1" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="-1" />abusive to LGBTQ score minus 1 point<br />
<input id="c2" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />neutral to LGBTQ score 1 point<br />
<input id="c3" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />desires to be LGBTQ friendly score 1 point<br />
<input id="c4" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />knows how to be LGBTQ friendly score 1 point<br />
<input id="c5" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />displays LGBTQ friendly patches/signs score 1
point<br />
<input id="c6" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />makes public LGBTQ-friendly statements in policy
statements score 1 point<br />
<input id="c7" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />makes public LGBTQ-friendly statements in press
statements score 1 point<br />
<input id="c8" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />has LGBTQ youth members score 1 point<br />
<input id="c9" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />has LGBTQ adult members score 1 point<br />
<input id="c10" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />publishes names of gay members score 1
point<br />
<input id="c11" onchange="OnClick(this)" type="checkbox" value="1" />publicly participates with banners, etc. in
Pride and other gay-specific events score 1 point</blockquote>
<script>
var gScore = 0;
function OnClick(self)
{
var mult = self.checked?1:-1;
gScore = gScore + self.value*mult;
idScore.innerText = "Score: " + gScore/10*100 + "%";
}
</script>
<h2 id="idScore">
Score: </h2>
If you are really excited about this, and want to get your Troop, Pack or Post listed on a public registry of Inclusive Scouting Units, visit this link to find out more: <a href="http://www.scoutpride.org/InclusiveUnits.html" target="_blank">Scout Pride Inclusive Units</a>.<br />
<br />
Click this link to order <a href="http://www.inclusivescouting.net/isa/" target="_blank">Inclusive Scouting patches</a>.<br />
<br />
So....how did your unit score?<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-42862223396719581922014-05-26T13:07:00.003-07:002014-05-26T13:41:37.917-07:00How to Tell if Support Really IsI posted this poll recently in several online forums for the LDS (aka Mormon) population. Yet the issues are the same in the Boy Scouts of America, the United Way, and virtually all other institutions. This was the poll question:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
How can you tell if your local Bishop, High Councilman, Relief Society President or Stake President is actually supportive of LGBTQ or is simply using you to feel better about themselves. [Add options to the list, vote for things you agree with. Discuss in comments.]</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<input type="checkbox" />They write letters to orgs in your community in suport of LGBTQ equality<br />
<input type="checkbox" />They speak about the need for equal dignity and rights in Church meetings<br />
<input type="checkbox" />They participate in Gay Pride parades<br />
<input type="checkbox" />They advocate for equal rights at board meetings of United Way, etc<br />
<input type="checkbox" />They speak out publicly against employment, housing and other discrimination</blockquote>
Some folks felt badly about this poll, to which I responded:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I don't mean to imply any motivation attribution. I mean to suggest that secret or tacit or even sympathetic noises don't cut it. Gay people need advocacy. "Support" without advocacy is hollow, and we insist on better from our formal leaders. Their active support to end the neglect and abuse of our people is necessary. Let's know that for ourselves, and require it going forward in others. LGBTQ people aren't here to make straight people feel better about themselves. We aren't here to make it easier on anyone. We have a long history of being horribly mistreated by Mormons. There has been significant cheerleading in this forum and others--statements that confuse the matter that it remains perilous for LGBTQ people to remain within Mormonism.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The improvement in self-esteem that straight people can achieve is a by-product of difficult work well done. The items listed in the poll in the top post are examples of that. People rightly feel better, and deserve our recognition to the extent those good works are accomplished.<br />
As our leaders come to understand their responsibilities to us, and act on those responsibilities, and treat us as more important than the risk of criticism or calling, and place our needs above those of institutional requirement for silence and continued complicity, to that extent bridges are being built to the promised land of equal dignity and service.</blockquote>
Polls such as this are meant to be educational, to help the out-group (in this case, LGBTQ people) understand what it is they are concretely asking for, and the in-group (in this case, straight people) to understand specifically what is needed.<br />
<br />
Your thoughts and comments are welcome. And thanks for your active support.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-27304673024473864812014-05-20T16:18:00.002-07:002014-05-26T13:44:59.614-07:00Rainier Beach Delegation to Chief Seattle CouncilThe delegation from Rainier Beach to the Chief Seattle Council's annual retreat was last week. We tried to deliver a packet that contained this cover letter. Unfortunately we weren't permitted to leave the information we'd brought, and not even 5 minutes were freed up on the agenda to hear our concerns. Below is a copy of what was prepared but could not be delivered:<br />
<blockquote>
Seattle, WA 98118<br />
<br />
TO: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Members of Chief Seattle Council Board<br />
<br />
DATE:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5/15/2014<br />
<br />
RE:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Status of Troop 98 and Pack 98<br />
<br />
Dear Members of the Board and Guests,<br />
<br />
This packet contains the original Charter of Troop 98, as well as the letters revoking my membership from the BSA, and the letter revoking the Charters of Troop 98 and Pack 98.<br />
<br />
Also are included are letters from our elected officials, who unanimously express concerns over actions taken by National BSA as well as this Council. In those letters they urge you to be true to our obligations to each other, and to the values and virtues of Scouting. They urge you to reject the spirit of discrimination that that is so foreign to our beloved city, and to act to restore these Units fully intact back to our community.<br />
<br />
I hope you will review this information and consider their request. Attached with this packet is an “Inclusive Scouting Knot.” This knot is earned by wearing it. Wear it with pride. More information about the badge can be found here: http://www.inclusivescouting.net/isa/<br />
<br />
The youth in our community, as well as their parents, need to know that they can “Come out and Scout(™)” without concern their friends will not be able to participate fully with them, or that they will be criticized by their peers or coworkers for participating in an organization that fails to support and defend their LGBT friends (or themselves) fully.<br />
<br />
We can all be fully proud of the work we do, and the involvement we have in the Scouting movement, as we provide an uncomplicated and full-throated defense of our own people. Let’s all of us stick up together for our Troop 98 and Pack 98 of the Thunderbird District, and for the idea that Rainier Beach United Methodist Church must determine appropriate adult leadership, and in so doing we stick up for all the gay kids and gay and lesbian adults we work and play with, who put in the long hours and share the joys and pains that bring so much to so many Scouts and Scouters in our town. Let us no longer require their silence.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your time,<br />
<br />
Yours in Scouting,<br />
<br />
Geoffrey C. McGrath, MSW<br />
RBUMC Youth Leader of Troop 98<br />
Eagle Scout 1983<br />
<br />
<br />
The Packet contains these documents:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1nBwH4p" target="_blank">Washington Governor Jay Inslee</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1laYqZm" target="_blank">Seattle's Mayor and all nine City Councilmember</a>s<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1ijF8co" target="_blank">Rod Dembowski, King County Councilmember, District 1</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1jIZnBy" target="_blank">King County Executive Dow Constantine</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/RquKKW" target="_blank">King County Councilman Dave Upthegrove</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1gF6oCJ" target="_blank">40 Washington State legislators</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/P6B0W9" target="_blank">Washington State Congressional Delegation</a></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529422639150359683.post-67525006705801603392014-05-16T14:02:00.000-07:002014-06-13T14:40:34.971-07:00Open Letter to Seattle Public Schools<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">[UPDATE 6/13/2014: <a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-schools-believes-it-does.html" target="_blank">Click for the response from SPS to this letter</a>]</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Mr. José Banda, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">By way of introduction, I am Scoutmaster of Troop 98 operating out of the Rainier Beach United Methodist Church. This Troop is no longer affiliated with the Chief Seattle Council (CSC) nor the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) at their request, because of their policy of anti-gay discrimination (institutional homophobia).</span><br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">BSA generally and CSC in particular is an employer that discriminates against LGBT in all its employment practices. As such it is in violation of city codes as well as policies within the district. Additionally it is in violation of equal employment codes of the state of Washington. These facts and obligations are well-documented and accessible in this document published by the OSPI: </span></div>
<blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter/BullyingHarassment/pubdocs/ProhibitingDiscriminationPublicSchools.pdf">http://www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter/BullyingHarassment/pubdocs/ProhibitingDiscriminationPublicSchools.pdf</a> </span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">The discrimination of BSA and CSC is well documented in the public record, and is referred to directly in these recent letters from our elected officials--I urge you to review them:</span> </div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Washington Governor Jay Inslee <a href="http://bit.ly/1nBwH4p">http://bit.ly/1nBwH4p</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Seattle's Mayor and all nine City Councilmembers <a href="http://bit.ly/1laYqZm">http://bit.ly/1laYqZm</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rod Dembowski, King County Councilmember, District 1: <a href="http://bit.ly/1ijF8co">http://bit.ly/1ijF8co</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">King County Executive Dow Constantine: <a href="http://bit.ly/1jIZnBy">http://bit.ly/1jIZnBy</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">King County Councilman Dave Upthegrove <a href="http://bit.ly/RquKKW">http://bit.ly/RquKKW</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">40 Washington State legislators <a href="http://bit.ly/1gF6oCJ">http://bit.ly/1gF6oCJ</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Washington State Congressional Delegation <a href="http://bit.ly/P6B0W9">http://bit.ly/P6B0W9</a> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Seattle Public Schools (SPS) permits so-called "non-discriminating" programs of CSC called "Learning for Life" (LFL) (sometimes also called "Exploring") and “Scoutreach.” These programs just like all other programs of BSA discriminate against LGBT employment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15;">I would like to be clear on this point: LFL and Scoutreach program employees are operating under contract or other inter-operation with SPS. They are Chief Seattle Council employees. LFL is owned and operated by local BSA Councils. As they are Council/BSA employees, they are subject to BSA's membership and employment standards -- which means no LGBT BSA employees, in LFL or any other program. BSA and LFL are not separate entities, and as far as I know BSA is the only non-denominational youth organization that has such an explicit policy regarding LGBT employees.</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sir, it is critical for the Seattle Public Schools to become compliant under the law. Please let me know as soon as possible your plans to end further inter-operation between SPS and CSC. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Geoffrey C. McGrath, MSW</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">geoffrey. mcgrath @ gmail.com</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">@geoffmcgrath </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/geoffrey.mcgrath.54">https://www.facebook.com/geoffrey.mcgrath.54</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">[UPDATE 6/13/2014: </span><a href="http://huhwot.blogspot.com/2014/06/seattle-public-schools-believes-it-does.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Click for the response from SPS to this letter</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">]</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00307020187286925092noreply@blogger.com0