Darrell Lambert, who had been a Scout for ten years, more than half of his life, was expelled at age 19 from his troop in Washington State in November 2002 because he is an atheist. Darrell had been a model Boy Scout, Eagle Scout and Scouting and community volunteer. He had won first place in his state athletic medicine competitions, and volunteered as a search and rescue worker. During training to become a Scout Adult Leader, Darrell was singled out for his atheism by his district commissioner, Glenn Schmitt, who told the class that an atheist cannot be a good citizen.

Darrell's case made headlines and brought sympathetic coverage around the country. At the national convention of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, meeting in San Diego on November 23, 2002, Darrell spoke and received a Student Activist Scholarship award.

For the full speech click here

Photo by Brent Nicastro