From: mpb@troy.uucp (27331-bunz)
Subject: Re: BSA: Eagle in Jeopardy
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 92 13:15:50 GMT
Keywords: eagle BSA theft

In article <1992Apr11.070912.11906@muddcs.claremont.edu>, jallen@jarthur.claremont.edu (Jeff R. Allen) writes:
> There is an boy in our troop that has just recently gotten his Eagle
> scout rank. The boy's application has been approved by the National
> Office and he has received the patch and certificate in the mail. He
> was planning on holding a Court of Honor in May.
> 
> The problem is that he was caught stealing recently by the Sherrif's office
> that he works in in connection with his Explorer Post (A law enforcement/
> search and rescue post). Apparently the office had been losing things, and
> set a trap for the scout.
> 
> This is the first thing the boy has ever done wrong. It is undeniably
> wrong, and pretty stupid, to steal from the police. The Sherrif wants
> his Eagle scout award taken away. My opinion is that he should keep
> the rank, but that there should be no Court of Honor immediately, possibly
> at all. I feel this way because I think the Eagle Rank is irrevokeable
> once National has awarded it. Yet, I feel that there would be no _honor_
> in a court of honor under these circumstances.
> 
> I think the boy made a mistake. A terrible, stupid mistake, but a mistake
> nonetheless. I believe that he can learn from it, but the integrity of Eagle
> Scouts everywhere must be upheld.
> 
> What would you do? Has anyone out there ever dealt with this sort of
> problem? What might the National Office say about this?
> 
> Please post and e-mail your opinions... I'd like to hear them, and this
> is an important topic for discussion. Please, however, stay on the topic, 
> and don't flame each other! Let's make this thread an example for the group.
> Jeff Allen (IRC: Itter)
Well, we have a similar situation in our troop with a scout working towards
his Eagle, and our leaders have had extensive conversations with our
DE, and the head of the local council (I remember his name, but not the
exact title, sorry).  Basically, the Scout had gotten in trouble and 
several Troop leaders were not sure what to do, because at that time
they did not feel the Scout was not living up to the expectations of an
Eagle Scout.  What we were told was that the Requirements stated that
the Scout had to show Scout Spirit for 6 (?) months after obtaining
the rank of Life.  If he had, then he was still eligible to work for
and obtain the Eagle Rank.

For what it's worth, the Scout had been missing for a while (i.e., not
participating), but appears to be showing up more now, and will probably
receive his Eagle.

Stealing from the Police is definately not a good idea (or from anyone else,
for that matter).  In this case, if it was going on durring the 6 month
period, then things are kind of shaky, but I don't think there is much
that can be done to take the award away.  Also, since the Scout is a minor
(he must be < 18 to still be a Scout), then even discussing this incident
in the Troop Committee meetings is a violation of the law (at least in NJ).
(Which was the reason given by Council in our case for ignoring the incident.)

As to the issue of the Court of Honor, I'm not sure what to say, I agree
that it may be considered in poor taste and may give the wrong impression
to fellow Scouts (our PRIMARY concern), we have to realize that we are
dealing with minors, and that everyone makes mistakes.  I'd be tempted
to say talk to the Scout, make it clear that this is not appropriate
behavior, and that if caught again the Court of Honor would be cancelled.
Otherwise, you are pretty much forced to go ahead since the criminal
behaviour should not have been made known to those that are responsible
for the Board of Review, ...

Marc


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