Recently, some have written this paper applauding the Boy Scouts' discriminatory policy toward gay people. Surprisingly, they claim that the Scouts are somehow defending American values. The Boy Scouts, however, are doing exactly the opposite. Although seemingly a private organization, the Scouts are instrumental in the formation of this country's youth. In scouting, many young American men come to learn the values of respect, honesty and fairness. As a result, the Scouts perform a public service for this nation and so must live up to our national standards and values. Americans cherish justice, liberty and equality. By excluding gay people from their ranks, the Scouts promote discrimination, undermining those very American values. Furthermore, in suggesting that gay people form their own scouting troops separate from those of straight people, those who support the Scouts prejudices are urging a return to the grim days of segregation that so many Americans fought (and died) to end. We cannot allow our national belief in justice for all to be subverted. A victory for the Scouts in this matter would certainly be a defeat for all Americans.