A Boy Scouts of America policy keeping alleged sexual abuses confidential may have protected the organization more than the boys in its charge. In 1989 William Sheehan, a Camp Miles scout leader and Lee County school teacher, was accused of molesting one of his young staff. A letter from the Boy Scouts' former Southwest Florida council president Steve Shimp assured Sheehan that his suspension and the reasons for it would be kept confidential.
Original Title
Former Southwest Florida Boy Scout leader quietly suspended for alleged sexual abuse
A Boy Scouts of America policy keeping alleged sexual abuses confidential may have protected the organization more than the boys in its charge. In 1989 William Sheehan, a Camp Miles scout leader and Lee County school teacher, was accused of molesting one of his young staff. A letter from the Boy Scouts' former Southwest Florida council president Steve Shimp assured Sheehan that his suspension and the reasons for it would be kept confidential.
A Boy Scouts of America policy keeping alleged sexual abuses confidential may have protected the organization more than the boys in its charge. In 1989 William Sheehan, a Camp Miles scout leader and Lee County school teacher, was accused of molesting one of his young staff. A letter from the Boy Scouts' former Southwest Florida council president Steve Shimp assured Sheehan that his suspension and the reasons for it would be kept confidential.
) A program for Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorers
Boy Scouts of America
‘Southwest Florida Council
1815 Boy Scout Drive
Fort Myers, Florida $3597
‘Teloptono; (613) 956-8072
June 20, 1989
Dalivered by hand
Delivered by hand to Mr. Bi11 Sheehan
Doar B41] Sheahan:
After careful review, we have dectded that your registration with the Boy
Scouts of Anceica should be suspended, We are therefore compelled to
Foquest thst you saver any relations that you may have with the Boy Scouts
of Anerica.
You should understand that the BSA leadership registration is a privilege
and is not automatically granted to everyone who epplies. We reserve
the right to suspend registration vhenever there {e/a concern that an
Individual may not measure up to the high standards of loadership which
the BSA seeks to provide for Anerican youth. Please also understand that
this decision and the reasons for it will be maintained as confidential,
IE you wich to have this decision revieved, pleare urite to mi
your version of the facts supporting your lai
as a BSA leador should be granted or reinstated.
oxplatsing,
that your registration
eerely yours,
steve Shimp
Gouneti Pres: