Scout Sex Abuse Lawsuits Prompt Elks Lodge To End Charter In Mahwah

MAHWAH, NJ — In an effort to avoid potential for liability amid over 80,000 child sex abuse lawsuits against the Boy Scouts, the Elks Grand Lodge encouraged all lodges nationwide to "prudently" decide whether to enter into, or reinstate an agreement to charter local Scout troops, Grand Lodge Advisory Chair Mike Smith told Patch.

As of Dec. 31, 2022, Mahwah Elks Lodge 1941 will no longer charter Scout Troops 258 and 259, and Cub Scout Pack 258, in accordance with the Grand Lodge's guidance, Councilwoman Michelle Crowe Paz, who serves as committee chair for troop 258, said at Thursday's township council meeting.

"Nothing against the current-day scouts," Smith said. "But our current liability could devastate us, and we do so many good things besides the scouting."

In fact, the Elks are the third-largest supplier of scholarships in the nation, the fraternal order said, and also serve veterans and invest in communities across the country. But, Smith said, ignoring the lawsuits would be "foolish," and, although it is not fair to the scouts, "we can't bankrupt the organization."

"We are not flush enough to accept unlimited liability," he said, adding that the Grand Lodge's insurance would not cover all of the Elks Lodges' lawsuits.

So, he said, Grand Lodge is "taking a backseat" until a settlement is reached, or a ruling is made. Each Elks Lodge, independent of the Grand Lodge, was informed of the national headquarters' opinion that lodges should sever ties, at least for now, and asked to act prudently in response to that information.

Lodge 1941 did not immediately respond to request for comment or a question regarding its decision to end the charter agreement.

Now, Mahwah scout troops are looking for another organization to charter them, Councilwoman Paz said.

For this reason, Paz made the request at Thursday's council meeting that the township, instead, charter the scouts.

She said there are, essentially, three requirements for charter partners: provide for an adequate meeting place, register one or two adult leaders to take youth protection training every two years to prevent child abuse, and check and complete a list of scouts and adult leaders every year.

Mahwah's legal department is reviewing the matter, which may be taken up at a future meeting for further consideration.