The ad hoc Coalition of Abused Scouts for Justice is steadfast in its pursuit of a $21 million request for fees. The fee request arises from the Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 case, where the coalition is representing a group of victims. Most recently, they have filed an appeal against a Delaware bankruptcy judge’s decision to dismiss their fees.
This development follows a series of legal actions and counter-actions that began when the Boy Scouts of America, a venerated institution with a century-long history, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The move, which sends ripples across the large network of boys scouts, their mentors, and millions of alumni, was largely seen as a strategy triggered by a substantial increase in sexual abuse lawsuits.
Representatives of the Coalition of Abused Scouts for Justice have not yet publicly commented on the progress of the appeal. Bankruptcy court procedures can often take a considerable amount of time, especially in complex cases such as these involving non-profit organizations, victims’ rights, and contested attorneys’ fees.
It is worth noting that under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, debtors are usually given the scope to reorganize their finance under the supervision of the court and in accordance with the interests of creditors. The debtors, in this case the Boy Scouts of America, can continue operations but must formulate a reorganization plan to be approved by their creditors and by the court to eventually emerge from bankruptcy.
More information about the ongoing appeal can be found here. As this complex legal saga continues, the implications for all parties involved, and for the non-profit sector as a whole, are yet to be entirely understood.