AMSTERDAM – Scouting America has publicly reaffirmed its policy of welcoming transgender youth, pushing back against claims from a high-ranking U.S. official who announced the organization would restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
The clarification came after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a member of the Trump administration, declared in a social media video that Scouting America would be rolling back its inclusive policies. Hegseth claimed membership would soon be based "solely on biological sex at birth" and that shared spaces like tents and showers would be strictly segregated.
In a direct response, Scouting America's President and CEO, Roger Krone, provided a clear and contrasting message. "We have transgender people in our program, and we’ll have transgender people in our program going forward,” Krone stated in an interview with The Associated Press, confirming that the organization's core eligibility requirements remain unchanged.
Navigating Political Pressure
The public disagreement unfolds as the U.S. government pursues a broader agenda of dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies. While Scouting America is a private organization, it has deep ties to the U.S. military and government.
In what appears to be a move to comply with government directives, the organization has announced several changes:
- Its national DEI committee will be dissolved.
- The "Citizenship in Society" merit badge, which focused on diversity and ethical leadership, will be discontinued.
- A new "Military Service" merit badge will be introduced.
- Registration fees for children of active-duty military personnel will be waived.
Despite these concessions, Krone was firm that the fundamental policy on who can join the scouts is not being altered. In a memo to members, he wrote, “Scouting America will continue to welcome and serve all youth. That commitment is unwavering."
A Recent History of Inclusion
The stance is significant given the organization's recent evolution. Formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, the institution has undergone major changes over the last decade. It lifted historic bans on gay youth and leaders, began welcoming girls into its flagship programs, and officially rebranded in 2024 to reflect its coeducational and inclusive mission.
A spokesperson for Scouting America, when asked for further clarification, reiterated the organization's position: "Scouting America remains steadfast in our commitment to providing a place for all young people to learn, grow, and thrive. We will continue to welcome all youth into our programs."
The public dispute in the U.S. highlights the ongoing cultural and political battles over LGBTQ+ inclusion, a theme that resonates with similar discussions about youth organizations and community groups across Europe. For now, the leadership of one of America's oldest youth institutions maintains that its doors remain open to transgender children.
