If the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy filing Tuesday proves to be a lifeline, it would be great news for the nation.
The group sought protection from hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits after it was hit with a $20 million verdict in one case and several states passed laws giving victims more time to sue. BSA now plans to set up a fund for victims.
“While we know nothing can undo the tragic abuse that victims suffered, we believe the Chapter 11 process — with the proposed Trust structure — will provide equitable compensation to all victims while maintaining the BSA’s important mission,” BSA boss Roger Mosby said.
Horrific as those cases are and appalling that so little was done about it, Mosby’s right about the mission. Since its founding in 1910, 130 million young boys have taken part in BSA programs.
They instilled great values — compassion, leadership, patriotism, self-reliance and discipline — and taught vital skills, from knowledge about government to how to survive in the wild.
The huge crop of young men who benefited in turn contributed to America’s greatness. Many became national leaders: presidents, astronauts, soldiers, scientists, athletes.
The sex-abuse cases are a blight on BSA’s record, and those harmed deserve justice. But what a tragedy if America were to lose such a venerable organization with an indispensable mission.