Scouting America ends DEI initiatives in Pentagon deal
Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, has agreed to end its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as part of a new partnership with the Pentagon. The controversial move has sparked public debate over the role of DEI in civic organizations and the influence of military partnerships.
The policy shift arrives as Scouting America navigates a period of significant transformation, having rebranded from the Boy Scouts of America in May 2024 to foster a more inclusive environment. The organization began admitting gay youth in 2013, lifted a ban on gay adult leaders in 2015, and started welcoming transgender boys in 2017. Girls were first permitted to join Cub Scouts in 2018 and the flagship Boy Scout program, now called Scouts BSA, in 2019. This agreement with the Pentagon marks a reversal of some of the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. One of the most significant changes is the discontinuation of the "Citizenship in Society" merit badge. This badge, which became Eagle-required in 2022, focused on topics of identity, diversity, and ethical leadership. In place of the discontinued merit badge, Scouting America will introduce a new "Military Service" merit badge. As part of the strengthened partnership, the Pentagon will now waive registration fees for military families. Scouting America has stated that these changes are necessary to comply with a 2025 executive order from the Trump administration aimed at ending DEI initiatives in federal partnerships. The Pentagon's stance is championed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has been a vocal critic of the scouting organization's recent changes, which he attributes to "woke culture." Hegseth stated he was considering ending all support for Scouting America, which he said had "lost their way." The Pentagon has announced it will review Scouting America's compliance with these new policies in six months. These developments occur against a backdrop of declining membership for the organization, which has been attributed to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a major sexual abuse scandal that led to a bankruptcy filing. The decision to admit girls also prompted the departure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a significant charter organization. The long-standing relationship between the U.S. military and the scouting movement includes logistical support for the National Jamboree and the practice of granting a higher pay grade to Eagle Scouts who enlist. The Pentagon's threat to sever these ties created significant pressure on the organization to make the agreed-upon changes. While Scouting America's official statements have focused on the continuation of their partnership with the military, the move has been met with criticism. Meagan McGovern, a troop leader and parent, wrote an open letter arguing that "Allowing a powerful institution to dictate who belongs is not bravery." Historically, advocacy groups like GLAAD have pressured the organization to become more inclusive. The current changes, particularly the policy regarding transgender youth, are seen by some as a significant step backward. Prior to the agreement, Scouting America's membership policy aimed to "bring together youth of every race, religion, gender, ethnic background, and economic status."
