US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly seeks to sever ties with Scouting America, a youth organization he claims is becoming "genderless" and failing to promote masculine values. The proposal, which has not been officially submitted to Congress, calls for an end to medical and logistical support for the National Jamboree, a biennial gathering of up to 20,000 Scouts.
Hegseth's memo criticizes Scouting America for allegedly attempting to "attack boy-friendly spaces" and fostering "gender confusion". He also claims that the organization's decision to admit girls in 2018 is detrimental to national security, diverting resources from protecting US territory.
Scouting America has responded by stating its commitment to continuing its work, citing its long-standing affiliation with the military. The organization emphasizes its nonpartisan nature and commitment to instilling American values, including character, leadership, citizenship, and service, in young people.
However, Hegseth's proposal would have significant consequences for the Scouts' recruitment efforts. As many as 20% of cadets and midshipmen at the service academies are Eagle Scouts, and those who decide to enlist enjoy advanced military rank and better pay.
Critics argue that Hegseth's stance is rooted in a misguided assumption about the role of Scouting America in promoting American values. The organization has long been seen as a merit-based institution, and its decision to admit girls was not intended to undermine masculine values but rather to expand opportunities for young people.
The proposal also reflects Hegseth's broader track record of advocating for policies that disproportionately affect women and minorities within the military. His efforts to slash diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have raised concerns among advocates who argue that these initiatives are essential to promoting a more inclusive and effective military.
As the proposal continues to make its way through the Pentagon, Scouting America remains committed to its mission of preparing young people for life. However, the organization's future with the US military hangs in the balance, and the consequences of Hegseth's actions could be far-reaching.
Hegseth's memo criticizes Scouting America for allegedly attempting to "attack boy-friendly spaces" and fostering "gender confusion". He also claims that the organization's decision to admit girls in 2018 is detrimental to national security, diverting resources from protecting US territory.
Scouting America has responded by stating its commitment to continuing its work, citing its long-standing affiliation with the military. The organization emphasizes its nonpartisan nature and commitment to instilling American values, including character, leadership, citizenship, and service, in young people.
However, Hegseth's proposal would have significant consequences for the Scouts' recruitment efforts. As many as 20% of cadets and midshipmen at the service academies are Eagle Scouts, and those who decide to enlist enjoy advanced military rank and better pay.
Critics argue that Hegseth's stance is rooted in a misguided assumption about the role of Scouting America in promoting American values. The organization has long been seen as a merit-based institution, and its decision to admit girls was not intended to undermine masculine values but rather to expand opportunities for young people.
The proposal also reflects Hegseth's broader track record of advocating for policies that disproportionately affect women and minorities within the military. His efforts to slash diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have raised concerns among advocates who argue that these initiatives are essential to promoting a more inclusive and effective military.
As the proposal continues to make its way through the Pentagon, Scouting America remains committed to its mission of preparing young people for life. However, the organization's future with the US military hangs in the balance, and the consequences of Hegseth's actions could be far-reaching.
. I mean, Scouting America is trying to just offer more opportunities for young people, and Pete Hegseth is over here being all like "Nope, we're gonna make it exclusive again" 
. It's like he's stuck in the past or something. Newsflash, dude: girls are still going to be awesome and want to participate in Scouting just as much as guys 
.
I mean, Hegseth claims that admitting girls is bad for national security? That's some wild conspiracy theory stuff right there. And what really gets me is that he's doing this to further his own agenda, which is clearly all about restricting women and minorities in the military 
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. It's not like they're trying to undermine American values or anything; they're just trying to provide more opportunities for young people. And what's really going to happen if Hegseth gets his way? We'll lose a valuable organization that does some good, and it'll be all because of this guy's ego 
.
. I'm so tired of people assuming that everyone who's for equality is against traditional values... it's just not that black and white 
. Can't we just focus on what's best for the youth instead of making a huge deal out of nothing? 
I feel so bad for the kids who are part of Scouting America... like, they're just trying to learn and grow, and some grown-ups are making them feel like they can't even be themselves? It doesn't make sense that admitting girls would somehow be bad for national security 
. These are the same values that he's supposed to be serving... 
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. The problem with this approach is that it ignores the fact that a significant portion of Scouts who join the military are women 
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It seems like Hegseth's got an agenda here, and it's not exactly clear what that agenda is.
it seems to me that hegseth is just trying to stir up some drama instead of actually addressing real issues. the fact that he's been trying to cut diversity programs in the military too suggests that he might be more interested in playing politics than doing what's best for the country 
. Like, isn't the point of Scouting America to teach kids life skills and character? 
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. Scouting America is a great org that needs our support, not some kind of puppet for the Pentagon 
. Can't we just focus on what's best for kids? 
The Scouting Controversy 
Let's draw a quick diagram: 
→ 
(boyhood spaces) → 
(girls allowed) 
If Scouting America is promoting character, leadership, and citizenship, that's awesome! 
What's the harm in having more girls join? 
Those kids need diverse perspectives and experiences to grow as leaders! 
. i don't think hegseth's proposal is just about scouting america or even american values... it's about his own agenda and some folks might be getting caught in the crossfire 
I don't get why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is trying to cut ties with Scouting America. They're just trying to make Scouting more inclusive for all kids, regardless of gender. 
. Can't we all just get along and support each other? 
! And what's with the whole national security thing? 
That just sounds like code for "I don't want to deal with women in positions of power" 
. Let's hope Congress sees through Hegseth's BS 
.
