Michigan Scout Troops Seek Private Sponsors To Avoid Establishment Clause Challenges

Echoing a similar report last month from Iowa, the McComb Michigan Daily reports that Michigan scout troops are following the advice of national scout leaders to end their ties with local governmental units and re-charter under the sponsorship of private groups. The move stems from fear of lawsuits against school boards and other public bodies because of the religious component in scouting activities. Last summer an Illinois federal district court held that government support of the Boy Scouts, to the exclusion of other groups, violates the Establishment Clause .