Scouting America is making another big change.
The youth group, once known as the Boy Scouts of America, says it will now base tents, showers, and other private spaces on biological sex at birth.
The policy change comes as the Trump administration pushes to roll back DEI programs across government and institutions connected to it.
Pentagon Highlights the Policy Shift
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed the change in a video released by the Pentagon.
BREAKING: Scouting America has agreed to enact policies based on s*x, not gender identity, following pressure from the Trump admin
No more men in girl’s spaces 👏
MASSIVE WIN
This is what I voted for
pic.twitter.com/yEab8DsdoW— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 27, 2026
The policy aligns with Executive Order 14173, signed by President Donald Trump, which directs agencies to end federal DEI programs.
Supporters of the new rule say, if kids are sleeping in tents or using showers at camp, spaces ought to be separated based on biological sex.
Transgender Youth Still Allowed
Scouting America says transgender youth are still welcome to participate.
The difference is how private spaces will be organized.
Scouting America CEO Roger Krone said the organization is not trying to push anyone out.
“We welcome all youth who want to live by the Scout Oath and Law,” Krone said when discussing the policy.
In other words, kids can still join scouting programs. The new rule mainly affects sleeping arrangements and similar private settings.
A Merit Badge Controversy Ends
Another change may be just as significant.
Scouting America is dropping the “Citizenship in Society” merit badge, which focused on identity, bias, and social issues.
Many criticized the badge, saying it pushed politics and identity debates into a program that used to focus on camping, service, and leadership.
Military Families Get a Break
The organization also announced something likely to get a warmer reception.
Children from active-duty military families will have their scouting membership fees waived.
Scouting leaders say that decision recognizes the close relationship between the military and scouting programs over many decades.
Many scout troops operate near military bases or have strong ties with veterans and service families.
Membership Has Collapsed
These changes come at a difficult time for the organization.
Back in 1970, more than 10 million boys were involved in the Boy Scouts, according to historical membership data.
Today, fewer than one million youth participate, according to recent figures from the organization.
The group officially rebranded itself as Scouting America in 2024 and opened more programs to girls in an effort to modernize and attract new members.
Some supporters say those steps helped keep the organization alive. Others argue that moving away from its traditional model caused many families to walk away.
For supporters, they feel the new rules bring things back to what they see as normal expectations for a youth group.
For critics, it raises concerns about whether certain kids will feel welcome.
Either way, the decision shows how youth organizations across the country are struggling to find their footing as the culture debate continues.
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