From the United Way of York County:
After discussions between United Way of York County and Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council, allocations from The Community Fund will continue from United Way of York County.
In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether Boy Scouts of America can exclude homosexuals from serving as troop leaders and participating as members of a troop. The Court ruled the First Amendment’s freedom of expression and association provisions prevented the government from requiring the Boy Scouts of America to accept the participation of homosexuals in its program.
While United Way of York County does not support nor endorse this policy, Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council are within the parameters of the Partner Agency Agreement so current allocations will not be interrupted.
“United Way of York County strongly believes in the concept of equal opportunity and diversity in the delivery of services to the community,” said Robert J. Woods, United Way of York County Executive Director. “United Way of York County also believes that one’s sexual orientation should not limit his or her ability to participate in programs supported through The Community Fund.” The Community Fund is money pledged to United Way for use among partner agencies for approved programs, as determined by allocations volunteer panels at United Way. Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council receives allocations provided through The Community Fund.
The Partner Agency Agreement is being reviewed internally, with the expectation that a revised Partner Agency Agreement will explicitly prohibit sexual orientation discrimination in the provision of services funded by United Way of York County. Any changes would not go into effect until the conclusion of this three-year funding cycle, eligible for renewal in 2016.
Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council has agreed to continue actively teaching tolerance, embrace acceptance and not inquire into the sexual orientation of the youth or adult volunteers applying for membership. As a result of these measures, United Way of York County believes it would be counter-productive to withhold funding and ultimately penalize the youth who benefit from these services.
Individuals and organizations supporting United Way of York County partner agencies may continue to do so without interruption. Individuals seeking to direct their support will continue to have full control over how their donations are managed. United Way of York County continues to offer pledge options allowing donations to go where individuals choose.
After discussions between United Way of York County and Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council, allocations from The Community Fund will continue from United Way of York County.
In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether Boy Scouts of America can exclude homosexuals from serving as troop leaders and participating as members of a troop. The Court ruled the First Amendment’s freedom of expression and association provisions prevented the government from requiring the Boy Scouts of America to accept the participation of homosexuals in its program.
While United Way of York County does not support nor endorse this policy, Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council are within the parameters of the Partner Agency Agreement so current allocations will not be interrupted.
“United Way of York County strongly believes in the concept of equal opportunity and diversity in the delivery of services to the community,” said Robert J. Woods, United Way of York County Executive Director. “United Way of York County also believes that one’s sexual orientation should not limit his or her ability to participate in programs supported through The Community Fund.” The Community Fund is money pledged to United Way for use among partner agencies for approved programs, as determined by allocations volunteer panels at United Way. Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council receives allocations provided through The Community Fund.
The Partner Agency Agreement is being reviewed internally, with the expectation that a revised Partner Agency Agreement will explicitly prohibit sexual orientation discrimination in the provision of services funded by United Way of York County. Any changes would not go into effect until the conclusion of this three-year funding cycle, eligible for renewal in 2016.
Boy Scouts of America, New Birth of Freedom Council has agreed to continue actively teaching tolerance, embrace acceptance and not inquire into the sexual orientation of the youth or adult volunteers applying for membership. As a result of these measures, United Way of York County believes it would be counter-productive to withhold funding and ultimately penalize the youth who benefit from these services.
Individuals and organizations supporting United Way of York County partner agencies may continue to do so without interruption. Individuals seeking to direct their support will continue to have full control over how their donations are managed. United Way of York County continues to offer pledge options allowing donations to go where individuals choose.