Story perspectives

Pentagon Threat Prompts Boy Scouts to Cut LGBTQ, Women Spaces

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

United States Scouting America removed gay, women and scouts-of-color spaces at the West Virginia jamboree.
The move followed pressure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who warned Pentagon support could end by late August.
A six-page memo obtained by activist James Dale details periodic compliance touchpoints.
Eagle Scout John Andrew Segebarth, a gay scout, said the cuts reversed Scouting values while transgender scoutmaster Layla Grace volunteered wearing rainbow nail polish.

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Story summary

United States Scouting America removed gay, women and scouts-of-color spaces at the West Virginia jamboree.
The move followed pressure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who warned Pentagon support could end by late August.
A six-page memo obtained by activist James Dale details periodic compliance touchpoints.
Eagle Scout John Andrew Segebarth, a gay scout, said the cuts reversed Scouting values while transgender scoutmaster Layla Grace volunteered wearing rainbow nail polish.