The War Department announced Feb. 27 that it will continue providing support to Scouting America after the youth organization agreed to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and adopt policy changes aligned with a recent presidential executive order addressing federal discrimination policy.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the decision followed discussions between Pentagon officials and the organization’s leadership regarding compliance with Executive Order 14173, signed Jan. 21, 2025. The order, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” directs federal agencies to ensure that programs connected to federal funding or support do not include race- or sex-based preferences or policies the administration considers discriminatory.

According to the War Department, Scouting America agreed to several reforms outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the department and the organization. The agreement establishes policy alignment with the executive order and sets conditions for continued cooperation between the Pentagon and the scouting group.

“Before making this big change, I decided to meet with the current scouting leadership to convey our deep concerns,” Hegseth said in a video statement announcing the decision.

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Policy Changes Outlined in Memorandum

Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, agreed to review and revise program materials, publications and policies to remove language associated with DEI initiatives. The organization also committed to discontinuing its “Citizenship in Society” merit badge requirement, which previously encouraged scouts pursuing the Eagle Scout rank to study topics related to diversity and inclusion.

Under the agreement, membership applications will list only “male” and “female” as sex designations, and policies will be implemented to ensure that biological males and females do not share private spaces such as tents, showers or restrooms during scouting activities.

The memorandum also outlines steps intended to strengthen ties between the scouting organization and the military community. Scouting America will waive registration fees for children of active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members. In addition, the group will introduce a new military service merit badge developed in cooperation with the War Department.

A designated liaison from the Pentagon will coordinate ongoing communications between the department and the organization and help oversee matters related to the agreement.

Continued Military Support and Access to Installations

In return for the policy changes, the War Department will continue allowing scouting events and activities to take place on U.S. military installations and within department facilities, with logistical and operational support where authorized.

Military support for national scouting events has a long history. Congress authorized Pentagon assistance for the Boy Scouts’ National Jamboree in 1972, and the event has often served as a large-scale logistical exercise for military personnel. The jamboree is held every four years, with the next gathering scheduled for July.

During his remarks, Hegseth said the agreement represents an opportunity to strengthen what he described as the traditional relationship between scouting and military service.

“These, and other changes that Scouting America’s leadership committed to will hopefully result in a rededication to the foundational ideals that have defined scouting for generations: duty to God and country, leadership, character and service,” he said.

Connection to Executive Order 14173

The announcement comes amid broader federal policy changes tied to Executive Order 14173. The order instructs federal agencies to review programs, grants, contracts and partnerships to ensure they comply with existing civil-rights laws while avoiding identity-based preferences or policies framed as DEI initiatives.

The order also revoked several previous executive orders that had supported diversity and equal-opportunity initiatives within federal contracting and agency operations. Federal departments have since begun reviewing partnerships and grant conditions to ensure organizations receiving federal support adhere to the administration’s interpretation of nondiscrimination standards.

Looking Ahead

Scouting America’s leadership did not publicly release additional details about the discussions with Pentagon officials but agreed in the memorandum that the organization will make “substantial progress” implementing the changes outlined in the agreement.

The War Department said continued cooperation with the organization will depend on that progress over time.

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America served for decades as one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. The group changed its name to Scouting America in 2024 as part of broader efforts to broaden membership and modernize its programs.

Officials from both organizations indicated that the new agreement is intended to preserve longstanding cooperation while aligning policies with current federal directives.

Further updates on the implementation of the memorandum and future joint programs between the War Department and Scouting America are expected as the organizations move forward with the agreed reforms.

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Dave Soulia | FYIVT

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