How the Boy Scouts became a target of the Trump administration's wrath

"Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused the group of trying to "attack boy-friendly spaces" when it made the decision to become "genderless" in a leaked memo to Congress obtained by NPR. The memo, which has not yet been sent, calls for the Department of Defense to withdraw medical and logistical assistance during the group's National Jamboree, an event with over 20,000 attendees, and to bar Scout troops from military installations."

"The name change, which was announced last year, is one of the things bothering Hegseth, and he has also claimed the group is promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as though that is a bad thing. The organization changed its name to stress that it has become open to girls and transgender boys. It had already lifted its ban on gay and bisexual boys and adult leaders, which had been the subject of arguments for years, spurring a case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court."

""Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: We are committed to teaching young people to be Prepared. For Life," said a statement from Roger A. Krone, the group's president and CEO, when announcing the rebranding. "This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting.""

Scouting America rebranded from the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, its 115th anniversary, to emphasize openness to girls and transgender boys aligned with its mission to prepare youth for life. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused the organization of attacking boy-friendly spaces and promoted a memo calling for the Department of Defense to withdraw medical and logistical support for the National Jamboree and bar Scout troops from military installations. The organization previously lifted a ban on gay and bisexual youth and adult leaders after decades of controversy and legal battles. Earlier revelations of sexual abuse led to scandal and bankruptcy, and the Girl Scouts positioned themselves as a more progressive alternative.

Read at Advocate.com