Scouting should teach inclusion and courage, not fear | Letter

As an Eagle Scout, I was saddened to read that Scouting has bowed to the anti-trans and anti-DEI bigotry of the Trump administration. Under pressure from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, one of their actions was to eliminate the “Citizenship in Society” merit badge. Since this badge was not available when I was a Scout, I decided to research the requirements.

The badge was clearly targeted simply because it includes the phrase “diversity, equity, and inclusion.” It includes nothing disparaging American history, no demands for preferential treatment, or any of the other fabricated "evils" of DEI. It does call for ethical leadership, inclusion, and standing up to bullies. One requirement asks the Scout to describe ways they can make others feel included, practice active listening, allow others to share their ideas and perspectives, help others feel valued, and stand up for others. How un-American!

Thank God our young leaders of tomorrow now have a drunken party-boy like Pete Hegseth as their role model.

Barry Randall, Loveland