I posted this on Flipper's thread about WTS' handling of child abuse cases. It sorta tied in with his theme, but not 100%, so I'm going to also give this it's own thread.
I'm guessing the Boy Scout scandal has the WT legal department working overtime right now.
I read an article about the Boy Scout scandal this morning. With the release of the 'secret' documents, it's being revealed how the BSA handled allegations of abuse in-house and did not, nor want to, involve authorities, or in some cases, inform parents. One of the quotes was eerily similar to WTS comments and directions.
An excerpt of the story from the AP:
His file shows local scout officials were contacted in early 1974 by the father of two brothers, ages 11 and 12. They had been overhead by an older sister talking about what happened in Menghi's motel room. Other parents also reported that their sons had been molested.
After interviewing the parents and some of the scouts, Kia Kim District Scout Executive George F. Hardwick Sr. drafted a memo stating that he believed there was evidence Menghi had abused as many as 10 boys. He and other officials met with Menghi the next day to confront him with the abuse claims and barred him from scouting.
"The biggest thing was to get the guy out of scouting and away from our boys," said George Heib, 86, a retired U.S. Army officer who was at the meeting. "Putting the boys through all the trauma of having to go to court and trial and all the stuff like that, I didn't think it was worth it. Of course, the publicity wouldn't be good for scouting, either."
The local scouting officials wrote to national headquarters seeking guidance on whether to encourage the parents of the abused boys to file a criminal complaint. Paul I. Ernst, the BSA executive then in charge of the organization's secret files, directed them not to.
"Normally, we do not suggest that any legal action be instituted by parents," Ernst wrote. "If they desire to do this on their own they certainly should bring about any action they feel necessary. Certainly in this case, there is every indication that legal action is justified." (Bold mine)
Sound familiar?
This is sure to turn the stomachs of many people. I can only hope that current elders, (who bother to keep up with current events) read these stories on the failings of the BSA and make a connection. Will the be sickened by the conduct of the leadership of the BSA? If so, will they recognize that they, personally, are in the same position as these leaders of the BSA? And will they do anything about it?
Full article here: