Association of Scout Councils, Inc. News

Project 2025 chief’s book urges ‘burning’ of FBI, New York Times and Boy Scouts

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 18:19:58 GMT

A new book by Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation and the "chief architect" of Project 2025, reportedly targets groups like the Boy Scouts of America as needing to be burned down to save America.

Here is a quote from the book, Dawn’s Early Light: Taking Back Washington to Save America according to The Guardian:

For America to flourish again, they don’t need to be reformed; they need to be burned. A nice start would include:

“Every Ivy League college, the FBI, the New York Times, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Department of Education, 80% of ‘Catholic’ higher education, BlackRock, the Loudoun County Public School System, the Boy Scouts of America, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Economic Forum, the Chinese Communist Party, and the National Endowment for Democracy.”

Click here for more.

Rockwell Paintings to be Auctioned for Settlement Fund

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:50:39 GMT

The Dallas Morning News reports that this Friday, four Norman Rockwell paintings will be auctioned to raise funds for the BSA sex abuse settlement fund. Opening bids start at $100,000. Twenty-five artworks from the 321 piece art collection of the BSA are to be sold.

Click here for more information.

Boy Scouts Battle Bid to Upend Plan

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:00:54 GMT

The Boy Scouts of America urged a federal appeals court to uphold a record-setting $2.46 billion sex abuse settlement, warning of immense harm to the organization and thousands of abuse survivors if the bankruptcy deal is unwound.

The Boy Scouts’ Chapter 11 plan, which established the largest child sex abuse settlement in US history, was subject to a close inspection Wednesday in the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit over features that terminated the rights of roughly 82,000 abuse claimants to sue third parties involved in scouting activities. A panel of judges pressed the lawyers to explain what might happen if the court overturns the plan at this point, questioning whether the court-approved deal would implode as a result.

Click here for more.

Court Appears Unlikely to Overturn Settlement

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:57:49 GMT

Nov 6 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court panel on Wednesday appeared unlikely to overturn the Boy Scouts of America's $2.46 billion settlement of sex abuse claims, suggesting it would be impractical to upend the deal long after the youth organization emerged from bankruptcy.

A three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia heard oral arguments in appeals of a 2022 bankruptcy court ruling approving the deal, which resolved the claims of 82,500 men who alleged that they were sexually abused by troop leaders as children.

Click here for more.

Appeals Court Hears Arguments

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 22:07:57 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit heard arguments over two hours in the pending appeal of the BSA bankruptcy on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Click here for an article describing the proceeding.

Third Circuit to Hear Arguments in Pending Appeal

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:53:10 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit will hear arguments in the pending appeal on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 beginning at 10:00 am EST in the Court's Maris Courtroom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The hearing panel consists of Circuit Court Judges Cheryl Ann Krause, Anthony Joseph Scircia, and Marjorie O. Rendell. Click here for case summaries prepared by the parties.

Boy Scouts of America Announces Rebranding for More Inclusiveness

Tue, 07 May 2024 16:42:50 GMT

Click here for more from APNews about this story.

Scoutless Schools

Tue, 07 May 2024 11:19:22 GMT

Conn Carroll writes about his experience as Scout with having his unit kicked out of the school where it had met every week after class. He quotes Association board member Lucia Cronin in this opinion piece about schools blocking access Scout groups. Carroll concludes his article:

Children today are in greater need than ever of outdoor activities away from screens and mobile phones. They are even more in need of unifying patriotic organizations. Hopefully more principals will rethink their decisions to keep Scouts out of schools, and hopefully more governors will sign legislation letting them in.

Click here for the complete article.

District Court Denies “Renewed” Motions for Stay

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:39:24 GMT

District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews has denied motions by the Lujan and Dumas & Vaughn claimants to stay the implementation of the Boy Scouts of America's debtors' plan. The claimants sought a stay until the Supreme Court makes a decision in a similar case involving Purdue. Although Judge Andrews acknowledged the claimants may have a reasonable chance of success in challenging aspects of the plan, he concluded they failed to demonstrate the remaining factors necessary for granting a stay. The judge also noted that the Boy Scouts' plan has already been in effect for five months, while Purdue's plan has not yet been implemented. The claimants have also sought a stay of their appeals in the Third Circuit pending the outcome of the Purdue case.

Supreme Court Denies Cert in Equitable Mootness Case

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:56:18 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order on Monday, October 2, 2023 denying review in a closely-watched case involving the doctrine of "equitable mootness." U.S. Bank v. Windstream Holdings, 22-926. Some Court watchers had thought this might be the case chosen for the Court to review the doctrine of "equitable mootness" of which Justice Alito expressed disfavor when he was on the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Nordhoff Investments v. Zenith Electronics, 258 F.3d 180, 192 (3d Cir. 2001) (Alito, J. concurring); see also, In re Continental Airlines, 91 F.3d 553, 567-73 (3d Cir. 1996) (Alito, J, dissenting).

Scouting Settlement Trusts Begins Payments

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:10:05 GMT

The Scouting Settlement Trust announced September 19, 2023 that it had begun making payments to claimants. About 60 payments totaling over $150,000 were made. These were payments made to claimants who selected the "quick pay" fixed payout of $3,500. About 7,000 claimants selected this option. Click here for more details.

Settlement Opponents Want BSA Bankruptcy Plan Paused

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:15:35 GMT

The Wall Street Journal reports that opponents of the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy settlement plan want it temporarily blocked until after the U.S. Supreme Court considers the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan. Last month the Supreme Court determined that it would review whether bankruptcy law can be used to resolve creditor claims against third parties who are not in bankruptcy without the consent of all claimants. Those releases are central to the plans in both the Purdue Pharma and Boy Scout bankruptcies. Click here for the article.

Stay of Plan Implementation Before District Court

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 18:05:33 GMT

Two claimants groups seeking a stay of the implementation of the BSA Bankruptcy Plan were directed to file their motions with the U.S. District Court for Delaware before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit could consider their requests. Those claimant groups and a group of insurors have filed motions to stay the plan implementation with the district court. The BSA and certain settling insurors have responded to the motions. Replies are due by September 15, 2023.

Dumas & Vaughn Plaintiffs Seek Stay of BSA Bankruptcy Plan

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:38:36 GMT

On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Dumas & Vaughn Claimants renewed their motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to stay the implementation of the BSA reorganization plan. They joined the Lujan Claimants, in requesting the stay in light of the U.S. Supreme Court deciding to hear arguments in the Purdue Pharma case regarding whether the Bankruptcy Code authorizes releases against third party non debtors. That case is to be heard in December 2023. The Dumas & Vaughn Claimants seek expedited review by the Court of Appeals.

Lujan Claimants Renew Motion to Stay BSA Plan based on Purdue Case

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 01:21:45 GMT

On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Lujan Claimants renewed their motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to stay the implementation of the BSA reorganization plan. They requested the stay in light of the U.S. Supreme Court deciding to hear arguments in the Purdue Pharma case regarding whether the Bankruptcy Code authorizes releases against third party non debtors. That case is to be heard in December 2023. The Lajan Claimants argue that the stay is also appropriate because the Settlement Trust has paid no survivors and has not provided access to documents to support their claims and for them to be able to decide whether to choose the Independent Review Option among other reasons.

Supreme Court Pauses Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Settlement Over Nonparty Releases

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 20:44:36 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on August 10, 2023 to consider a challenge to the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement. The challenge argues that the family behind Purdue Pharma should not be able to take advantage of legal protections meant for debtors in "financial distress." Federal appeals courts are split on the issue. Challengers argue that the deal “applies to an untold number of claimants who did not specifically consent to the release’s terms,” a deal that “constitutes an abuse of the bankruptcy system, and raises serious constitutional questions.” The Court will hear arguments in the case this December. See, e.g., New York Times article.

DOJ Asks Supreme Court to Delay Purdue Pharma Settlement

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 22:54:14 GMT

The Department of Justice and the Office of the U.S. Trustee asked the U.S. Supreme Court on July 28, 2023 to halt Purdue Pharma from proceeding with a bankruptcy settlement that protects the company’s owners, the Sackler family, from lawsuits, reports Reuters. The DOJ argued that Purdue should not be allowed to move forward with its restructuring before the Supreme Court weighs in on legal protections for non-bankrupt entities, an issue that has divided bankruptcy courts across the U.S. Last week, an appeals court ruled that Purdue may proceed with a plan approved in May that would shield the Sacklers from opioid related lawsuits in exchange for a $6 billion contribution to the company's broader bankruptcy settlement.

Sex Abuse Claims in Catholic Bankruptcy Disallowed Based on BSA Bankruptcy

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:44:47 GMT

A U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruled that nine sex abuse claims in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre Chapter 11 bankruptcy case were disallowed because of the participation of the diocese in the settlement of the the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy case.

Elks End Relationship with BSA Based on Insurance

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:48:19 GMT

In a March letter addressed to all local lodges from Grand Exalted Ruler Bruce A. Hidley, the fraternal organization announced that it will end its official relationship as a charter organization with the Boy Scouts of America.

“After nearly two years of discussions and negotiations with the BSA, at every level, our exhaustive efforts to secure adequate insurance coverage have failed, and our attorneys and insurance broker, Gallagher, have advised that the insurance offered by the BSA falls far short of that needed to adequately protect our Members, Lodges, State Associations and Grand Lodge and will likely lead to future disputes,” the letter stated.

Click here for a related article.

Third Circuit Denies Stay; BSA Plan Goes Effective

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:05:16 GMT

On the morning of April 19, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit denied the emergency motions for a stay pending “resolution of all appeals.” The order denying the emergency motions was docketed without an opinion. The BSA Bankruptcy Plan became effective today, April 19, 2023. Click here for the notice filed today in the U. S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Nonsettling Insurers Seek Emergency Stay of District Court Order

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 23:08:56 GMT

On March 31, 2023, a group of certain nonsettling insurers filed an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of District Judge Richard G. Andrews’ order affirming on appeal the Boy Scouts of America plan confirmation order and the plan confirmation order itself pending “resolution of all appeals” to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The certain insurers argue that absent a stay pending appeal, the automatic stay will expire after April 11, at which point BSA may contend that further appeals by appellants are equitably moot. The risk that BSA may seek to moot the appeals is “imminent and concrete because BSA will attempt to substantially consummate its plan as soon as possible,” the certain insurers warn.

More detailed information has been shared with our members. To join go to https://scoutcouncils.org/join

District Court Affirms Bankruptcy Confirmation

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:09:05 GMT

The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews affirmed the Boy Scouts of America debtors’ plan confirmation in the attached opinion issued today, finding “no error” in the bankruptcy court’s legal conclusion.

More information will follow as it becomes available. You may want to share this information with your council attorneys. We are sharing this link with all members of the Association as well as non-members associated with the Local Council Working Group.

Boy Scouts affirmation.pdf

Rotary Club Steps Up to Charter Troop That Lost Church Sponsor

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 20:50:36 GMT

The Annandale United Methodist Church (AUMC) has chartered Boy Scout Troop 150 since 1928, but when that relationship had to end earlier this year, the Annandale Rotary Club agreed to sponsor the troop.

The change comes as a result of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filing for bankruptcy in February 2022 due to the lawsuits by men who alleged they were sexually abused by scout leaders.

The national United Methodist Church organization, concerned about liability exposure, said individual Methodist churches can no longer serve as chartering organizations for scout troops. Instead, churches can now form affiliate relationships with troops.

The Annandale Rotary Club agreed to take responsibility for Troop 150 because “they do great work. They make a difference in the community,” said club President Joe Do. He pointed to the Scouting for Food program where Troop 150 members collected thousands of pounds of food for the Annandale Christian Community for Action food pantry.

Read the rest of this article by clicking here.

US House of Representatives Resolves to Support the Boy Scouts

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 19:28:29 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting a "Boy Scouts of America Day." Read more at Aaron on Scouting by clicking here.

District Court Concludes Second and Final Day of Hearing

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 04:34:03 GMT

District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews took the Boy Scouts of America debtors’ plan confirmation appeal under advisement at the end of oral argument today, saying his decision is “gonna take some time.”

The main focus of today’s hearing, the second of two days of oral argument after Thursday’s initial proceedings, was on the plan’s third-party releases and channeling injunction, which is the basis for appeal for two groups of dissenting sexual abuse claimants. The claimants are challenging the scope of the nonconsensual third-party releases, which extends protection to local councils and chartered organizations. The debtors and plan proponents argue that without the releases, the entire plan construct would fall apart. More detail was shared with Association members by the Legal Committee of the Association.

District Court Concludes Day One Hearing

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 03:15:19 GMT

The first of two days of hearings on the appeal of the confirmation of the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy plan was completed before the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware on Thursday, February 9, 2023. The arguments for the day focused on whether the plan was proposed in good faith and issues related to insurance. Arguments for Friday, February 10, 2023 are set to address third-party releases and the channeling injunction; insurance settlements; whether the plan infringed the automatic stay in the Archbishop of Agana's bankruptcy; and the best interest of creditors test, claim classification, equal treatment and process concerns regarding various amendments to the plan. More detail was shared with Association members by the Legal Committee of the Association. We continue to be optimistic about these hearings.

Boy Scouts Exceed Membership Goal for 2022

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:25:03 GMT

Congratulations to the Boy Scouts of America for exceeding the 2022 membership goal--the first time since 1999 that the BSA has had membership growth. This is possible because of the hard work of council volunteers and professionals across the nation. https://vimeo.com/780761011

Local Council Victims Trust Contribution Fully Funded

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 03:57:00 GMT

We have officially reached $515 million in cash and property contributions to the Settlement Trust!

As of today, we can report to the Delaware District Court that we have fully funded the $515 million Local Council Contribution as required under the bankruptcy plan. We will urge the Court to quickly affirm so that these funds can be released, survivors can be compensated, and the Scouting movement can continue its critical mission serving youth.

Please feel free to notify your Boards, volunteers, employees, and others of this incredible milestone!

The Ad Hoc Committee has strived to be transparent throughout this entire process: There are two Local Councils that have not yet completed their full contribution amounts under the Formula. The Ad Hoc Committee is working with them to finish funding in the coming weeks. As previously discussed, the Formula includes a razor-thin cushion – ~0.5% (half of one percent) – and any amounts contributed over $515 million reduce the DST Note dollar-for-dollar, meaning that when these two councils finish funding, all Local Councils effectively receive a reduction of their obligations under the Plan. As a matter of fairness, we are committed to ensuring that all Local Councils meet their contribution amounts – and we fully expect that will happen.

Though the past three years have been challenging, the Scouting movement has stood together. Our collective efforts have paved the way for a fair and final resolution of historical abuse claims and an exit from bankruptcy. As all of us know, Scouting is safer than ever today, and will continue to be a leader in youth protection going forward. We can now focus on the future: keeping Scouts safe and continuing to provide an unparalleled, values-based program to millions of youth.

The Ad Hoc Committee will keep you updated on the appellate/affirmation process. In the meantime, we wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

Yours in Scouting,

Ad Hoc Committee of Local Councils

Bankruptcy Court Enters Confirmation Order

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 16:22:49 GMT

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware entered a confirmation order of the Third Modified Fifth Amended Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (with technical modifications) on Thursday, September 8, 2022 (Docket Number 10316).

Ruling leaves questions about Boy Scouts bankruptcy plan

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 12:27:09 GMT

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware bankruptcy judge has approved parts of the Boy Scouts of America’s reorganization plan but has rejected other provisions, saying in a ruling Friday that the organization has “decisions to make” regarding the plan.

Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein issued her 281-page ruling, months after concluding a trial in the case. She indicated that she is willing to hold a status conference upon a request by attorneys for the Boy Scouts.

The BSA’s plan proposed the creation of a $2.6 billion fund to compensate tens of thousands of men who say they were sexually abused as children involved in Scouting, while maintaining the organization’s financial ability to continue operating.

The ruling is the just latest example of uncertainty in a case that has seen myriad twists and turns since the Boy Scouts sought bankruptcy protection more than two years ago to stave off a flood of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by Scout leaders and volunteers.

Click here to read more.

Judge Issues Opinion in BSA Bankruptcy

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 22:26:11 GMT

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware issued an opinion in the bankruptcy of the Boy Scouts of America today. Click here to review the opinion. We have not had a chance to review the 281 page opinion. You may want to share this information with your council attorneys. We will review with our legal committee as soon as possible.

‘Leave No Trace’ Film Review: Searing Doc on Boy Scouts Abuse Cuts Some Journalistic Corners

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:49:02 GMT

The documentary’s spotlight on sexual abuse victims is undeniably powerful. On the surface, the film is well researched. It splices in lots of archival material, including a few chilling depositions of the abusers, though some don’t provide relevant context. However noble this work appears, however, the lawyers are not offering their services pro bono. The subject of their financial interests in the case is never broached. “Leave No Trace” at times verges on becoming what seems like an infomercial for an ambulance chaser . . . . See the full review by clicking here.

Sale of Chesterfield Boy Scout Camp Delayed

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:43:05 GMT

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WRIC) — The sale of a boy scout camp in southern Chesterfield has been delayed as the national organization awaits a ruling in their bankruptcy trial.

The Heart of Virginia Council, which manages scouting organizations in Central Virginia, announced the sale on May 19. The proceeds of the sale will go to fund their share of a national trust to pay damages to victims of sexual abuse.

Click here for the rest of this story.

Miami Valley Council to Sell Woodland Trails Scout Reservation

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:16:35 GMT

The decision to sell the camp was made after its board explored ways to preserve the assets critical to the mission of delivering the Scouting program in the five-county service area as well as compensating survivors of abuse by contributing to the trust as part of the national organization’s financial restructuring process. Read more here.

EXPLAINER: Thorny issues face Boy Scouts bankruptcy judge

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 17:00:00 GMT

DOVER, Del. (AP) — More than two years after the Boy Scouts of America sought bankruptcy protection to stave off a flood of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by Scout leaders and volunteers, a Delaware judge is weighing whether to confirm the BSA’s reorganization plan.

After a three-week evidentiary hearing and nearly a week of closing arguments, the judge is expected to rule within the next few weeks. The issues facing Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein are controversial and complex. No matter how she rules, the case will head next to a federal district court, with appeals likely to follow. Here is a brief look at bankruptcy case.

It All Boils Down to Supporting Scouts at the Local Level

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 23:00:00 GMT

"[I]t all boils down to supporting Scouts at the local level and how the program positively impacts the lives of young people," said Russell Smart who is being recognized with Good Scout Award at the Blue Ridge Council 2022 Patron's Dinner. Read more about this Good Scout in the Greenville Journal by clicking on this link.

BSA Bankruptcy Confirmation Hearing Concludes

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 23:00:00 GMT

The plan confirmation hearing in the BSA bankruptcy case concluded on April 14, 2022. The Court has taken the matter under advisement. It is likely to be several weeks before a decision is rendered.