March 2, 2026
In light of the recent announcement from Scouting America regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Defense related to Executive Order 14173 (EO 14173), we want to share additional context and clarification that was provided during a National Scout Executive call this past weekend.
Discussions between Scouting America and the Department of Defense regarding this Executive Order have been ongoing for more than a year. Much of EO 14173 focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government, its contractors, and affiliates. As a congressionally chartered organization, Scouting America is considered an affiliate.
While Scouting America has signed the MOU, a fully executed copy has not yet been returned by the Department of Defense. Once it is finalized and received, it will be shared.
Although Scouting America requested collaboration on any public communications, the Department of Defense released its video statement without prior notice or input from Scouting America. National leadership became aware of the video at the same time as the rest of us.
There were also inaccuracies in that video. To provide clarity:
- Everyone is welcome in Scouting. Girls and transgender youth remain welcome in Scouting.
- Birth certificates will not be required.
- Gender designation will continue to be determined in agreement with the family.
- The Citizenship in Society merit badge will be discontinued; however, many of its principles remain embedded in existing programs and materials, and according to Scouting policies, Scouts who have already started to complete that merit badge will have until December 31, 2026, to finish. (See https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-society/)
- The National DEI Committee will merge with the National People and Culture Committee.
- National registration fees for active-duty military families will be discontinued effective June 1, 2026, and these costs will not be passed on to local councils.
- Department of Defense support for Scouting will continue, including the National Jamboree and programming on military bases worldwide.
- Additional guidance from Scouting America is forthcoming and will be shared as it becomes available.
I hope this helps address many of the immediate questions. I know there may be others, and more communication will follow. Please feel free to contact us directly if you would like further clarification. We will continue to share information as it is provided to us. Meantime let’s go have fun Scouting!
Scott Valcourt, PhD, Council President
Sue Dexter, Council Commissioner
Gary Savignano, Scout Executive
