APO and BSA: Same Roots, Different Policies

BY PAUL BIGG for ALPHA PHI OMEGA

Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the co-ed National Service Fraternity, was founded in 1925. One of the Fraternity’s purposes is to bring college students together in fellowship derived from the Scout Law and Oath of the Boy Scouts of America.

Historically, Alpha Phi Omega and the Boy Scouts of America have differed in their membership policies towards both their members and their leaders. In APO, anyone who completes the pledging process is allowed to become a member and can choose to lead Alpha Phi Omega both on the chapter and national level. The Boy Scouts of America discriminates against its members and leaders on the basis of their sexual orientation. As social norms have changed, their policies have been reviewed and revised. On May 23, 2013, the Boy Scouts of Americas agreed to allow any boy regardless of their sexual orientation to become a Boy Scout. Despite the change, there is still heavy debate on the issue. However, the Boy Scouts of America still do not accept leaders who identify as any other orientation than heterosexual.

The National Fraternity and the Washington University chapter of Alpha Phi Omega find this difference to be our issue of 2013. Although the Fraternity’s principles stem back to those of the Boy Scouts of America, we do not agree that individuals should be restricted to lead on the basis of their sexual orientation. We strongly hope that the Boy Scouts of America will allow its leaders as well as its members to not be simply accepted, but also celebrated because of their differences.