Scouting America, which used to be the Boy Scouts of America, is set to make some adjustments, according to Army Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The U.S. Department of the Army has been pressuring the organization, threatening to withdraw its support.
In a video message released on Friday, Hegseth mentioned that he was seriously contemplating cutting off support for reconnaissance operations entirely, accusing the group of embracing a “radical, woke ideology.”
However, he noted that Scouting America has agreed to implement several changes, specifically naming five while suggesting that more might be on the way.
“First, Scouting America has committed to comply immediately with Executive Order 14173, which involves reviewing and eliminating politicized, divisive, and discriminatory language from our programs and publications. No more DEI,” he stated.
He also indicated that DEI-related merit badges would no longer be offered.
“Third, the organization will clarify its policy to state that membership is based solely on biological sex at birth,” he added. “This means applications will have only two gender designations: male and female, and they must align with the applicant’s birth certificate. It also makes it clear that boys and girls cannot share intimate spaces like bathrooms, showers, or tents,” Hegseth explained.
“Fourth, Scouting America will waive registration fees for children of active duty, Guard, and Reserve families in recognition of their service,” he continued. “Fifth, in collaboration with the Department of the Army, the organization is set to introduce a new military service medal.”
The organization released a statement saying, “Scouting America is proud to maintain our long-standing commitment to military families worldwide through our renewed partnership with the Department of the Army. We’ve been in discussions with department leaders for several months to align on how we can better serve military families while updating programs to comply with Executive Order 14173.”
“Today, we’re rolling out new program elements that tie back to that mission: waiving registration fees for military families, introducing new merit badges centered on military service and veterans, and reinforcing our commitment to the principles of leadership, character, and duty to God and country,” the release highlighted.
Earlier in the month, Army Public Affairs Assistant Sean Parnell indicated that their evaluation of Scouting America’s funding and partnership, including the upcoming National Jamboree Celebration, is thorough and ongoing.
Hegseth has expressed hopes that the Boy Scouts will return to their foundational purpose—”an organization that grows boys into men. Maybe one day that will happen,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the Army’s support is dependent on Scouting America demonstrating significant progress on these and other reforms within six months. If the Army finds Scouting America lacking in their commitment or advancements, it may determine that the organization has violated the executive order and cease its support.
