Changes are underway at Scouting America following directives from the United States Department of War. The organization announced it will discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and phase out the “Citizenship in Society” merit badge. In its place, Scouting America will introduce a new merit badge focused on military service, aligning closely with the Pentagon’s requirements.
In a video statement released on Friday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized that the organization had agreed to eliminate its diversity initiatives as part of a broader strategy to maintain support from the military. Hegseth stated that Scouting America will now require members to identify by their biological sex at birth rather than their gender identity. He noted, “Scouting will also make clear that biological boys and biological girls will not be permitted to share intimate spaces, toilets, showers, and tents.”
As part of these significant changes, the “Citizenship in Society” merit badge, which was previously mandatory for achieving the Eagle Scout rank, will be retired effective February 27, 2026. A statement from Scouting America confirmed, “Beginning on February 27, 2026, Scouts will no longer be able to start requirements on the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge.” The organization will maintain a total of 21 merit badge requirements for Eagle Scouts, with 13 being mandatory and eight elective.
The introduction of the new merit badge focusing on military service aims to strengthen the connection between Scouting and the United States Armed Forces. Scouting America highlighted its long-standing role as a pathway to military service, claiming Scouts are significantly more likely to serve in uniform than the general population.
The organization’s recent decisions come in response to a review set to take place six months from now, which will assess compliance with the new guidelines. Hegseth indicated that failure to adhere to these policies could result in the withdrawal of military support for Scouting programs. “Ideally, I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded, a group that develops boys into men,” he added.
In its communication, Scouting America reaffirmed its commitment to serving all youth, including over 200,000 girls participating in its programs. The organization emphasized that girls have played an integral role in Scouting since the 1960s and will continue to do so. Scouting America stated, “We maintained our name as ‘Scouting America’ and preserved our service to the more than 200,000 girls who participate in our programs.”
The changes also reflect a shift in the organization’s policies, aligning them with the Executive Order 14173, which effectively ended diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within federal agencies. Scouting America underscored that its commitment to developing leaders and serving the community remains steadfast. “For more than a century, Scouting America has endured because we are resilient, principled, and unwavering in our mission,” the organization noted.
Historically, Scouting America has made several progressive changes over the years. In 2013, the organization began allowing gay youths to join, followed by the removal of its ban on gay adult leaders in 2015. In 2017, it announced acceptance of transgender students and welcomed girls into its Cub Scouts program in 2018, subsequently integrating them into the flagship Scouts BSA program in 2019. Notably, nearly 1,000 girls were recognized as the first female Eagle Scouts in 2021.
In a letter to its members, Scouting America communicated that these policy updates are essential for continuing operations on military installations and maintaining support for significant events like the National Jamboree. The organization concluded its message by reiterating its dedication to the principles enshrined in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, emphasizing its mission to cultivate character and leadership among youth.
