Two months out, Boys State Kansas cancels over coronavirus concerns
Concerned that efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 are not going to subside any time soon, the American Legion Boys State of Kansas has canceled this year’s session.
The session was scheduled for May 31 through June 5 at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
“Existing data models regarding the spread of COVID-19 suggests that this will not be a few weeks to a month timeline of isolation and social distancing,” said Shane Wilson, Kansas Boys State executive director. And, he said, having schools closed across the state for the remainder of the academic year has “deeply hampered” the group’s “ability to recruit and work with high school personnel.”
Kansas Girls State officials did not immediately return The Star’s request for comment on whether that event is canceled as well.
“We felt it necessary to make a decision now to give the delegates, their parents or guardians, our staff, our Legionnaire partners and Kansas State University staff enough time to adjust their schedules accordingly,” Wilson said.
The availability of the K-State campus was not a factor in the decision.
Missouri’s Boys State and Girls State still plan to convene their weeklong session June 13-27 at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, but officials are monitoring the situation.
Colorado, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Vermont and Washington have all canceled their Boys State programs this year as well. In addition, the American Legion has canceled Boys Nation, which was to be held this summer in Washington, D.C.
Boys State is a summer leadership academy for top high school students entering their senior year. It’s designed to promote citizenship and involvement in the political process.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Two months out, Boys State Kansas cancels over coronavirus concerns."
