new scoutmaster Question

[NJCubScouter]

I would personally be opposed to having a convicted drug offender as an ASM, but my pastor and bishop would probably allow it.  

 

Though I have some firmly held opinions, I am not a dictator.  I don't expect to always get my way.

Now I'm confused. Earlier you said your troop would "kick out" this 17 year old, regardless of the specific circumstances, because your troop/CO has a "zero tolerance policy", but now you are saying that the pastor and bishop (which I assume is the leadership structure of the CO) would probably allow such a person back in as an adult leader. This doesn't seem consistent to me.

[David CO]

Now I'm confused. Earlier you said your troop would "kick out" this 17 year old, regardless of the specific circumstances, because your troop/CO has a "zero tolerance policy", but now you are saying that the pastor and bishop (which I assume is the leadership structure of the CO) would probably allow such a person back in as an adult leader. This doesn't seem consistent to me.

 

You are exactly right.  It is not consistent at all.

 

A parish priest in our diocese was convicted and sent to prison for manufacturing and distributing GBH, an illegal synthetic drug, out of the parish rectory.  He was sent to prison, served his time, got out, and is now back in the pulpit in a neighboring parish. All is forgiven.

 

Students and teachers are still on the zero tolerance policy.  Priests and parishioners aren't.

[Stosh]

The reason might have something to do with the fact that Jesus didn't have any zero tolerance policies and tended to forgive those around who were repentant and faithful.  Probably wouldn't have a Pope today had Jesus not forgiven Peter for his lying (denying he knew who Jesus was).  Not being sarcastic here, dead serious. 

[gumbymaster]

While I am so glad this is not my decision to make, I'll add a couple of my thoughts.

 

1. As others have stated, technically this is all rumor at the moment.  Without official confirmation of the charges, this is difficult to adjudicate within the unit.

2. Even if the charges have been made, that does not necessarily mean the act was actually committed.  We've had more than a few instances of "it look liked ..." when it really wasn't.

3. While I am sure you would like to get his side of the story, because of the way the criminal justice system works, his legal council may have said to say nothing on the subject - this does not inherently mean that he is not being trustworthy or disobedient to your inquiry.

4. It would probably be fair for you to ask him/the family if he has in fact been charged.  Do not inquire if he did it - that makes you part of the legal process.  If he admits that he has been charged, that goes a long way in my book for speaking of his honesty.

5. You still have to protect other members of the unit.  I would suggest that he might be suspended until the court proceedings conclude.  If he is found or pleads guilty to the charges, then that is cause for removal from the unit, if not the BSA.  If he is not convicted of the charges, he could make an appeal to the council for extra time (post 18th birthday) for circumstances out of his control interfering with his completion of the rank in time.

6. It would be up to you and your unit to decide if he could complete the Eagle project, under appropriate supervision, while the case winds through the court.

 

Whatever happens, once a final disposition has been concluded, discuss the matter with the Scouts and parents and use it as a learning lesson for consequences to one's actions and/or remaining true to the scout oath and law (boy and unit leadership) under adverse circumstances.