In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the scouting community and popular culture, Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist, actor, and cultural icon, has resigned from his position as Honorary Scout Master of the Boy Scouts of America. This resignation comes on the heels of the organization’s announcement that it will be changing its name to Scouting America, a rebrand aimed at reflecting its more inclusive policies. Norris, known for his tough-guy persona and conservative values, cited what he calls a “woke agenda” as his reason for stepping down.
The Boy Scouts of America, an organization with a storied history dating back to 1910, has long been a bastion of traditional values and a cornerstone of American youth development. However, in recent years, the organization has faced numerous challenges, including declining membership and increasing pressure to modernize and become more inclusive. In response to these pressures, the organization announced that it would be changing its name to Scouting America, effective February 8, 2025, to better reflect its inclusive policies, which now welcome girls and LGBTQ scouts.
This decision was met with mixed reactions. Many applauded the move as a necessary step toward inclusivity and equality, while others, like Chuck Norris, saw it as a departure from the organization’s core values. In a statement released to the press, Norris did not mince words about his feelings on the matter.
“I have always been proud to be associated with the Boy Scouts of America, an organization that has played a crucial role in shaping the character and values of countless young men,” Norris said. “However, I can no longer in good conscience support an organization that has so clearly lost its way. The decision to change the name to Scouting America is just the latest example of the organization bowing to the pressures of a woke agenda that seeks to erase the traditional values that have made the Boy Scouts great.”