FIRST AMENDMENT - U.S. District Court, Northern District, Chicago
Chicago public schools agree to stop sponsoring scouts

In response to a class-action lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Chicago Public Schools agreed to cease their direct sponsorship of the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America. Both entities had sponsored scout packs for many years, but the class alleged that the sponsorship violated the First Amendment's Establishment clause by restricting scouts' religious liberties. It noted that CPS and DOD pack leaders were required to abide by Boy Scout rules that compelled scouts to swear an oath of duty to God and denied membership to youths who did not believe in God. The parties agreed to a pretrial settlement. The DOD and CPS will cease sponsorship of scouts, though DOD employees may continue to sponsor such activities in an off-duty capacity.