Coast Guard Clarifies Policy on Hate Symbols

Amid growing criticism regarding its recent policy language, the Coast Guard announced on Thursday that symbols of hate, such as swastikas and nooses, are still banned during missions.

A new directive was released late Thursday, aimed at countering “misinformation” following earlier guidance in November that suggested avoiding the term “hate incidents” when referencing these symbols.

“Displays of symbols that represent discord or hatred are not allowed,” the updated policy stated. “This includes, but isn’t limited to, nooses, swastikas, and any other symbols associated with hate groups that promote supremacy, intolerance, anti-Semitism, or similar forms of bigotry.”

The Coast Guard emphasized that this policy isn’t an adjustment of their existing rules but a response to misinformation, reinforcing their commitment to banning these symbols.

This update follows significant scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups concerning a policy change that was introduced earlier in November.

Initially, displays of swastikas, nooses, Confederate flags, and similar symbols were categorized as “potential hate incidents.” However, the early November guidance redefined them as “symbols or flags that could create discord.” This shift was highlighted in reports from The Washington Post.

After this change surfaced, the Coast Guard reiterated their dedication to eliminating these symbols from their ranks and punishing anyone who displays them. They still view these symbols as “extremist images.”

“The claim that the Coast Guard will cease to regard swastikas, nooses, and other extremist images as forbidden symbols is entirely incorrect,” stated Admiral Kevin Landay, the acting commander of the Coast Guard. “These symbols remain prohibited by our policy.”

Landay continued by asserting that the use, promotion, and display of such symbols will undergo thorough investigations and receive severe penalties. They are serious about maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional working environment, where symbols associated with extremism and racism are clearly against their core values.

According to guidance from early November, leaders are tasked with monitoring the public display of symbols seen as “potentially divisive.” They have the authority to remove any symbols that detrimentally affect morale or mission readiness.

This policy update also eliminated the term “hate incident,” asserting that previously classified incidents would not be handled as harassment reports anymore.

The Coast Guard did not immediately respond when asked why the term “hate incident” was removed from their policy.

In response to media reports, Rep. Rick Larsen, the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, criticized the Coast Guard’s stance, asserting there is no debate surrounding the swastika or noose as symbols of hate. “Lynching is a federal hate crime. The world defeated the Nazis in 1945. The discussion around these symbols is finished. They are symbols of hate,” he stated, urging the Coast Guard to improve their approach.

As the only military branch under the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard is currently undergoing a reorganization process as part of its efforts to align more closely with other military services.

Initially, the Coast Guard claimed its harassment policy was updated according to directives from President Trump and the Department of Defense. The Pentagon has yet to comment on this matter, but Army Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a review of harassment and hazing policies.

Furthermore, the Defense Department has established its own guidelines against extremism, which include prohibiting the display of Confederate flags and swastikas, allowing only state and approved military service flags.