Parents sue Boy Scouts of America for rejecting their 15-year-old son with Down syndrome as an Eagle Scout

A Utah family is suing the Boy Scouts of America, alleging that their 15-year-old son could not achieve its Eagle Scout ranking because he has Down syndrome and autism, KSL-TV reports.

The Utah National Parks Council, which was also named in the lawsuit, has issued a statement saying that it remained “committed” to helping Logan Blythe achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. It noted, however, that “final decisions” were determined by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) at a national level — suggesting that their hands are tied.

“We are moved by this young man’s desire to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout,” the statement reads. “We’ve worked closely with this young man and his family to attain the benefits of the Scouting program and are committed to continuing to do so. The Eagle Scout Award is a national award. Final decisions regarding the Eagle requirements are made at the National BSA level.

“Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has served youth members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Through the Disability Awareness Committee, the BSA enables youth to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. The Utah National Parks Council stands ready to assist all Scouts and their families who, despite extraordinary circumstances, have the desire to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.”

According to his parents, Blythe has been a Boy Scout for four years, earning numerous awards and badges. He began the process to become an Eagle Scout in November 2017, and was “excited” to reach the next level of his training. But the National BSA reportedly refused to accommodate him.

“We had all this planned, and 24 hours later we get a text message saying ‘we should have never said you were approved,'” Chad Blythe, the teen’s father, told KSL-TV.

“When National [BSA] was contacted about possible alternates, we were told that for Star Life Eagle Ranks, there are no alternates,” Logan’s father added. “The young man must do the requirements as written, including leadership responsibilities.”

Blythe wouldn’t have been the first Eagle Scout with Down syndrome. Elliott Hodgson achieved the Boy Scouts’ highest rank in 2015 after completing a modified program, as have others with special needs.

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