Department of War Demands Scouting America End DEI Policies to Retain Federal Support
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of War has issued a firm directive to Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, demanding the elimination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in order to maintain federal funding and support. The announcement marks a significant shift in the federal government’s relationship with the youth organization, which has been a longstanding partner in promoting leadership and civic engagement among American youth.
Sean Parnell, assistant to the Secretary of War for public affairs, characterized Scouting America as “a great organization” that has “lost its way” over the past decade. In a statement posted on social media, Parnell criticized the organization’s recent embrace of DEI initiatives and what he described as “gender-fluid ideological stances,” declaring these positions incompatible with the values upheld by both the Department of War and the current administration.
“For more than a decade now, Scouting America’s leadership has made decisions that run counter to the values of this administration and this Department of War, including an embrace of DEI and other social justice, gender-fluid ideological stances. This is unacceptable,” Parnell wrote.
The Department of War’s review focused on its financial relationship with Scouting America, including its involvement in the National Jamboree, a major event that draws thousands of scouts from across the country. The department’s position signals a potential withdrawal or restructuring of federal support if the organization does not comply with the directive.
This move follows a broader trend of federal agencies reassessing partnerships with organizations perceived to have adopted policies or practices at odds with current government priorities. The Department of War’s stance aligns with recent executive orders aimed at reshaping federal contracting and funding criteria, emphasizing a return to what officials describe as “core principles” and a rejection of “woke” policies.
Scouting America’s evolution from its origins as the Boy Scouts of America included a name change and expanded membership policies, including the historic inclusion of female scouts starting in 2021. These changes have been accompanied by a greater focus on inclusivity and social justice initiatives within the organization’s programming.
The department’s demand has already sparked debate among former scouts and leaders. Jerry Gerlach, a former scout leader, and Selby Chipman, an Eagle Scout from the inaugural female class of 2021, have publicly reflected on the organization’s identity crisis and the challenges of balancing tradition with modern values.
As the Department of War moves forward with this policy enforcement, the future of Scouting America’s federal support hangs in the balance. The organization faces a critical decision: to roll back its DEI commitments or risk losing a significant source of funding and partnership.
For more information on federal contracting policies and recent executive orders, visit the White House Briefing Room. Details on the Department of War’s current initiatives can be found at the U.S. Department of Defense website. The National Jamboree and Scouting America’s official updates are available through the Scouting.org portal. For broader context on federal funding guidelines, see the USA.gov Federal Agencies Directory.
The coming weeks will likely reveal how Scouting America responds to the Department of War’s ultimatum and whether the organization can navigate this crossroads without sacrificing its recent commitments to diversity and inclusion.
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