The Trump administration continues to put pressure on Scouting America (formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America), saying the organization must end its DEI policies and other bylaws designed to help transgender youth. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined the department’s demands in a video he released on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
Pete Hegseth said Scouting America members must use their ‘biological sex at birth and not gender identity’
According to Hegseth, the organization must provide only male and female options for applicants. He also said the checked box must be the same as the applicant’s birth certificate. Adding to the demands, Hegseth said members of opposite genders cannot share bathrooms, tents or other private facilities.
The Pentagon will “vigorously review” Scouting America’s changes in six months and the organization may lose support from the government if the demands are not met, Hegseth said. Dismissing the organization’s rebrand, the defense secretary said “the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded.”
According to USA Today, Hegseth also said the organization must end DEI-focused policies and eliminate its “citizenship in society” merit badge, which requires members to “realize the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership.”
Scouting America’s response to Pete Hegseth’s demands
Scouting America President and CEO Roger Krone stood firm on the organization’s stance on welcoming girls as members.
“Girls have been an integral part of Scouting since the 1960s and have served as leaders and program developers for decades,” Krone said, per USA TODAY. “That commitment is unwavering.”
Although Scouting America didn’t confirm any policy changes for trans youth, the organization said they understand the urgency to comply with Trump’s DEI laws, per USA Today.
Scouting America started accepting gay scouts in 2013 and began welcoming gay adult leaders two years later. In 2017, the organization started accepting transgender members, per USA Today.
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