The Boy Scouts Responded to a Parent's Claim the Organization Demoted Their Son With Down Syndrome
After participating in Boy Scouts for six years, 15-year-old Logan Blythe, a teenager from Utah with Down syndrome and autism, was more than eager to officially become an Eagle Scout — until, that is, his formal Eagle Scout Project was allegedly rejected. His parents say that the BSA also demoted Logan to a Cub Scout — a claim that the BSA vehemently disputes — which is the rank most 10-years-olds fall into.
The trouble all started when Logan went to submit his Eagle Scout project, a program that would give newborn kits to parents in hospitals who just had babies. After reviewing Logan's project, the Boy Scouts of America told him to hold off because the organization wasn't confident the 22 "alternative" badges Logan earned during his years as a Cub and Boy Scout formally counted towards becoming an Eagle Scout.
Chad Blythe, Logan's dad, told The Mighty his side of the story. Apparently, the local Boy Scouts chapter approved the project at first and "even [took] a picture with Logan in his full uniform." But after sending it to the higher-ups at the national level, Logan's project was "suspended." Chad was alerted to the news via email and his heart immediately sank.
"We were led to believe everything was fine and Logan could get through; he could earn merit badges, advance in rank for as long as he did what he needed to do," explained Chad.
In a statement released on March 20, the Boy Scouts of America said that the rank of Eagle Scout is still very much on the table for Logan, and said he was not only not demoted to a Cub Scout, but his badges were still valid, saying:
"We want to be clear — the option to earn the rank of Eagle Scout has been — and still is — available to Logan. We remain inspired by his dedication to Scouting, and we hope to continue working with Logan and his family to support him in the effort to earn the rank of Eagle Scout through the engagement of our National Disabilities Advancement Team."
They continued the statement, saying:
The Boy Scouts of America is committed to making sure every Scout benefits from the program and has the opportunity to earn the Eagle Scout rank. The process of achieving the Eagle Scout rank is rigorous for any Scout, but it is designed so that accommodations can be made for Scouts with disabilities or special needs. The National Disabilities Advancement Team wants to work directly with the Blythe family to review what Logan has accomplished based on his abilities and help determine a path to earn the Eagle Scout rank that is both appropriate and empowering for him.
But for the Blythes, the statement doesn't quite cut it. The family is suing the Boy Scouts of America for $1 to hopefully enforce a change in policy. Chad told KSL.com on March 22, he can't get behind an organization that can't support his son: "I cannot support an organization that does not support my son. . . or support anyone who doesn't support those with mental disabilities, it's wrong."