Scouts back out after inclusion initiatives scrapped
Scouting America, previously known as Boy Scouts of America, has eliminated dedicated spaces for gay youth, women, and scouts of color at its National Jamboree, which is being held in West Virginia and ends on Friday. The changes came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to end the Pentagon’s century-old partnership with the organization if it did not make changes, including refocusing away from diversity initiatives.
Some scouts who had planned to attend the event said they backed out over the elimination of the inclusion initiatives, which Scouting America had previously celebrated. Scouting America rebranded in 2024 to emphasize inclusion and the growing number of girls in the scouting ranks.