Story perspectives

Scouting America Revamps Policies Amid Membership Decline

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced reforms to Scouting America to retain military support.
He criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as diluting Scouting America's mission.
Scouting America will base membership on biological sex at birth and replace the Citizenship in Society merit badge with a Military Service merit badge.
The organization maintains support for girls, waives military-family registration fees, and faces scrutiny over declining membership and past sexual abuse allegations.

History

Historical Context

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), founded in 1910, has faced ongoing scrutiny over its membership policies, particularly regarding sexual orientation and gender. In 2013, the BSA allowed openly gay youth to join, while adult leaders remained restricted. Recent reforms by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echo past tensions, as he criticizes diversity initiatives, potentially impacting the BSA's ability to attract new members amid declining participation.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced reforms to Scouting America to retain military support.
He criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as diluting Scouting America's mission.
Scouting America will base membership on biological sex at birth and replace the Citizenship in Society merit badge with a Military Service merit badge.
The organization maintains support for girls, waives military-family registration fees, and faces scrutiny over declining membership and past sexual abuse allegations.

1 / 2