"Sydney is a groundbreaking individual who has opened up the scouting opportunities for hundreds of thousands of other young women just like her. This historic moment needs a historic statement from the Scouts BSA leadership, which should be their acceptance of her as an Eagle Scout. If BSA is serious about gender-neutrality in their organization, then they must acknowledge the work that Sydney has accomplished and recognize her for the successful completion of the requirements to attain the Eagle Scout rank, " said New York State Assembly Member Harvey Epstein.

"I am so excited that I passed my Eagle Board of Review!" Ireland told Patch. "I hope that the Boy Scouts of America leadership takes the next right step and officially recognizes me for the rank I earned, the Eagle Rank."