To the Editor:

What do you think about changing laws passed in 1916?

Sydney Irelend, 15, was denied being part of Boy Scouts because of her gender.

After reading, “15-year-old girl denied permission to join Boy Scouts because of gender” [Sophia Hall, CBS News New York], I know Sydney should be allowed to join Boy Scouts. Even if Sydney isn’t male, she should still be allowed to participate in this American club.

CBS said Sydney wanted to join Boy Scouts, “...to receive the Eagle Scout ranking...” which she knows would help her get into better colleges and get better jobs. Especially since many military men, and presidents, have earned the Eagle Scout award.

Some would argue the Boy Scouts wouldn’t want to break a rule put into place by Congress in 1916. However, this should be broken because all Sydney wanted to do was, “...do what my brother was doing.”

Why should the Boy Scouts even be allowed to deny Sydney now, when they have already let her, “unofficially” earn the highest award in the Cub Scout program?

Besides, the Congress from 1916 had no idea what life would be like in 2017, over 100 years later, why let them continue to run the program like it is 1916?

Kaitlyn Macauley

Salisbury Middle School