Pentagon pressure forces Scouting America to drop diversity spaces at West Virginia jamboree

The U.S. Department of Defense, led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset, threatened to cut funding for Scouting America unless the organization ended diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In response, Scouting America removed dedicated spaces for gay youth, women and scouts of color from its National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. About 15,000 scouts, leaders and volunteers attended the 10‑day event, and some participants withdrew after the changes were announced. A Pentagon‑Defense Department memo obtained by activist James Dale, a former Boy Scout expelled for being gay, outlined the monitoring requirements and the funding threat. Scouting America’s spokesperson said the organization remains “fully committed to welcoming and serving all youth,” while assistant scoutmaster Samuel J. Aronson warned that eliminating the inclusive spaces denies safety and fun to thousands of young people.