Scouting America pulled designated inclusion rooms from its National Jamboree after the Pentagon tied support to dropping DEI initiatives.
Why it matters: The Pentagon said its support can include personnel help plus access to equipment, installations, facilities and offices worldwide, giving the government real leverage over a major youth nonprofit. The change affects what Scouts see and access at a flagship event with military ties.
- AP reported July 30 that Scouting America dropped dedicated rooms for gay youth, women and Scouts of color at its National Jamboree.
- The Pentagon said Feb. 27 it would continue support only after Scouting America agreed to remove DEI initiatives.
- Scouting America's Jamboree materials had listed inclusion programming for LGBTQ+ and Allied Scouts, Scouts of Color and Women in Scouting.
- The National Jamboree was underway at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia and was scheduled to end July 31.
Scouting America removed designated inclusion rooms from its National Jamboree after the Pentagon said support would continue only if the organization dropped diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. AP
The change affected rooms described in Scouting America's own Jamboree materials for LGBTQ+ and Allied Scouts, Scouts of Color and Women in Scouting. Scouting America's job catalog
In a Feb. 27 announcement, the Pentagon said support for Scouting America would continue on a conditional basis after the organization agreed to remove DEI initiatives from its programming. The Defense Department said that support historically includes personnel assistance and access to equipment, installations, facilities and offices worldwide. Pentagon announcement
The National Jamboree was taking place at the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Beckley and Glen Jean, West Virginia. AP reported that some Scouts who had planned to attend backed out after the inclusion programs were removed. Scouting America told AP it remained "fully committed to welcoming and serving all youth."
By the numbers
- July 30 - AP reported the change at the Jamboree.
- Feb. 27 - Pentagon announcement conditioning support on dropping DEI initiatives.
- July 31 - scheduled end date for the National Jamboree.
What's next: The National Jamboree was scheduled to end July 31.