(HANOVER PARK) The parents of a northwest suburban boy are suing the Boy Scouts of America, alleging the group was motivated to revoke their son’s membership because he has Asperger’s syndrome.
The lawsuit was filed Monday in Cook County Circuit Court by Brian and Deborah Smith of Hanover Park.
The Smith’s son, identified as “P.S.,” was dismissed from a Boy Scout troop based in Hoffman Estates in 2014. The Scouts’ decision to dismiss him after seven years of membership was “motivated by P.S.’s diagnosis of Asperger [sic] Syndrome,” the suit stated.
The Smith’s allege the Scouts’ revocation of their son’s membership was never explained to them and they never had an opportunity to respond to allegations made against their son, the suit stated.
“Plaintiffs received a notice from Boy Scouts of America that P.S.’s membership in BSA was revoked immediately,” the suit stated. “The notice did not articulate any reason why the termination was made other than that ‘information’ was received which ‘compelled us to revoke your son.’”
The Boy Scouts of America told the Smiths that an explanation of their son’s termination would be given, but they never received one, the suit stated.
“We were only recently made aware of this suit, but we will closely review this matter and respond appropriately,” Deron Smith, director of communications for the Boy Scouts of America, said in an emailed statement. “While we can’t immediately discuss this matter, I can tell you that the BSA works to accommodate the needs of Scouts.”
The three-count suit alleges breach of contract and infliction of emotional distress. The Smiths are asking a judge to let them respond to allegations against their son.
