After reading the letter to the editor entitled “Don’t Associate with Boy Scouts,” the Alpha Phi Omega brothers would like to formally respond.

Alpha Phi Omega has long associated itself with the Boy Scout principles as dictated in The Scout Oath and Law. Our founders believed that these principles should be held in high esteem, and the brothers of Alpha Phi Omega strive to keep true to these principles as we live our lives.

In more recent times, Alpha Phi Omega has disagreed with the Boy Scouts’ decision to exclude homosexuals in Scouting. We believe in acceptance of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation. It may interest you to know that at the last National Convention of Alpha Phi Omega, we dissolved most of our official links with the Boy Scouts of America because of their stance on homosexuality. In fact, one of our national directors is an openly gay man, and in our own chapter, we have homosexual and bisexual brothers.

However, our association with the Boy Scouts in areas of service will not end. By supporting the Scouts in their earning of the Engineering Merit Badge, we serve the needs of the individual Scout and are not supporting the decision of the Boy Scout Board of Directors.

Furthermore, some of our brothers are Scouts, but that does not mean that they support the decisions of the Board. Boy Scouting develops leaders and people who are willing to do service for others. Scouts take pride in their accomplishments and we should aid them in their endeavors-not punish them for the actions of their board.

In the future, if you have issues with any of our actions as a fraternity we hope you’ll feel comfortable coming and talking to us about your concerns. Our office is located in Union Room 3420.

The Brothers of Alpha Phi Omega