Scouts blasted as it promotes Islamophobia Awareness Month badge - but no antisemitism awareness badge on offer

The initiative aims to teach young participants to identify Islamophobia whilst challenging discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes.

Critics argue the organisation demonstrates uneven treatment of various prejudices by creating specific recognition for one form of discrimination without parallel initiatives for others, particularly regarding antisemitism awareness.

Social media debates have intensified around this perceived disparity, with various commentators questioning why similar official recognition doesn't exist for antisemitism.

One user wrote: "Do you plan on doing an antisemitism month?"

Another added: "Are you going to cover antisemitism?"

A third commented: "Scouting should not be doing stuff like this! Focusing on one religion is not right."

The organisation previously responded to these concerns on social media.

They stated that "Antisemitism month currently doesn't exist" as a formally recognised awareness period comparable to IAM.

This response has amplified discussions about whether the Scouts should independently create badges for different forms of discrimination or wait for officially designated awareness periods before developing related programmes and merchandise.

Another social media user highlighted that the scouts don't have a Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month badge.

The official Scout Store does, however, sell a non-uniform "Mental Health Matters" blanket badge, but no focus is put on the designated month.

UK Scouts have issued declarations affirming their stance against all forms of racial prejudice, explicitly stating "Scouts stand against Antisemitism and Islamophobia in all its forms".

The organisation maintains a zero-tolerance approach to racism across its programmes and activities.

They have published wider communications addressing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine situation, emphasising their dedication to fostering peace and welcoming individuals regardless of religious belief or absence thereof.

According to their official website, Scouts can explore five themes: learning about Islam, doing acts of kindness, discovering Muslim role models, understanding bias and discrimination, and inspiring change.

Activities include visiting mosques, supporting food banks, learning about Muslim inventors, and raising awareness about Islamophobia.

They say that the badge aims to promote understanding, inclusivity, and positive action within communities.

The Scouts told GB News: "Scouting is an inclusive, values-based movement, and membership is open to all who share our values of integrity, respect, care, cooperation, and belief.

"We recognise the importance of raising awareness about all forms of prejudice, including Islamophobia and antisemitism.

"Our support for Islamophobia Awareness Month reflects our commitment to challenging discrimination and fostering understanding across communities."

A spokesman for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: "With British Jews suffering the highest levels of antisemitism in living memory, including a lethal terrorist attack on a synagogue on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar barely a month ago, we would expect the Scouts to ensure equal billing for antisemitism awareness and education as any other form of prejudice."

The Antisemitism Policy Trust told the People's Channel that "it is entirely appropriate that the Scouts are taking anti-Muslim hate seriously".

The group added: "Our organisation has worked with many NGOs providing training and advice on anti-Jewish racism, and we were previously in contact with the Scouts.

"We would encourage them to contact us without delay to build on those discussions and to see what they might do to educate about and tackle antisemitism, given the reach and platform that they have, and some of the issues they have encountered in the past."