50 signatures reached
To: The National Executive Board of Scouting America and the Chief Scout Executive
Demand Scouting America Restore Citizenship in Society and Meaningful DEI in Scout Programs
To the National Executive Board and the Chief Scout Executive of Scouting America:
We respectfully request that Scouting America reverse its decision to eliminate the Citizenship in Society merit badge and discontinue Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within the program.
Citizenship has always been central to Scouting. The movement was founded to develop leaders of character — individuals prepared to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in civic life. The Citizenship in Society merit badge was not a political instrument. It was an educational framework designed to help Scouts understand differing perspectives, practice respectful dialogue, and build the skills necessary to lead in a diverse nation.
Removing this component weakens the integrity of Scouting’s stated mission.
Scouting prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. Ethical leadership requires the ability to understand others, to recognize bias, to practice fairness, and to navigate complex social environments with respect and responsibility. These are not partisan values. They are foundational leadership competencies.
We ask that Scouting America:
- Reinstate the Citizenship in Society merit badge as part of the Eagle-required curriculum.
- Restore structured guidance that equips Scouts to engage respectfully across differences.
- Affirm publicly that inclusive leadership development remains consistent with the Scout Oath and Law.
Scouting has always adapted to meet the needs of each generation. The future of Scouting depends not on retreating from complexity, but on preparing young people to navigate it with character, courage, and humility.
We urge you to reconsider this decision in alignment with Scouting’s enduring commitment to citizenship, leadership, and moral responsibility.
Respectfully,
Why is this important?
Scouting has always been about preparing young people for leadership, service, and responsible citizenship. The Citizenship in Society merit badge and related DEI initiatives were not political add-ons — they were tools to help Scouts develop essential leadership skills.
In today’s world, leadership requires the ability to:
- Engage respectfully with people from different backgrounds
- Recognize and manage bias
- Navigate disagreement without hostility
- Build trust across differences
These are not partisan concepts. They are core citizenship competencies.
Removing structured opportunities for Scouts to learn and practice these skills sends the message that navigating diversity is optional rather than essential. It narrows the definition of citizenship at a time when young people need broader preparation, not less.
This petition is not about ideology. It is about leadership development.
Parents, volunteers, alumni, and community members should care because:
- Scouting’s credibility depends on preparing youth for the real world.
- Character is strengthened through exposure to different perspectives, not isolation from them.
- The Scout Oath and Law call for respect, fairness, and service to others — values that require understanding and inclusion.
If Scouting retreats from teaching inclusive citizenship, it risks weakening the very foundation it claims to uphold.
Those who believe Scouting should prepare young people to lead in a complex and diverse society have a responsibility to speak clearly and constructively.
This is that moment.