The Pentagon is threatening to cut federal funding to Scouting America, the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts, over its gender-inclusive policies. The Department of Defense says Scouting America must comply with an executive order from Donald Trump calling for the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts — or risk losing support. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on Twitter:
“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 DEl and other social justice, gender-fluid ideological stances. This is unacceptable.” Scouting America has expanded inclusion over the past decade — admitting openly gay scouts in 2013, lifting bans on gay adult leaders in 2015, and welcoming girls and transgender boys starting in 2017. LGBTQ advocates warn the funding threat could hamper inclusive youth spaces nationwide.
