Scouting America to make some changes pushed by the Pentagon

"Hegseth said in a video posted on X that the Pentagon will vigorously review the changes the organization has made in six months and will cease its support of Scouting America if it fails to comply. We hope that doesn't happen, but it could, Hegseth said. Ideally I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded, a group that develops boys into men."

"In a statement released Friday, Scouting America didn't mention the policy change targeting transgender youths, but it noted its need to comply with an executive order from President Donald Trump that targeted diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Scouting America, which is based in Irving, Texas, also pointed out that it maintained its new Scouting America name and preserved our service to the more than 200,000 girls who participate in our programs."

"Under Hegseth, the Pentagon has taken aim at the military's partnership with Scouting America, decrying its historic rebrand in 2024 from the Boy Scouts and other changes in recent years that he sees as part of woke culture efforts that he wants to root out."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Scouting America will modify several policies at the Pentagon's urging, including measures targeting transgender youths. Changes include discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge, introducing a Military Service merit badge, and waiving registration fees for military children's families. Hegseth has criticized Scouting America's 2024 rebrand from the Boy Scouts and recent inclusivity initiatives, characterizing them as woke culture efforts. The Pentagon will review compliance within six months and may cease support if changes are insufficient. Scouting America acknowledged the need to comply with Trump's executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs while maintaining its current name and services to over 200,000 girls.

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