The U.S. Coast Guard has firmly rejected allegations regarding a possible review of its classification of hate symbols, such as swastikas and nooses, labeling the claim as “completely false.”
According to a report from the Washington Post, the Coast Guard plans to disband Thursday afternoon. A recent manual, titled “Prevention, response, and accountability for harassment,” was approved this month.
In response to the same report, the military department categorically denied any intentions to alter its list of hate symbols.
“The claims that the Coast Guard does not categorize swastikas, nooses, and other extremist symbols as prohibited are entirely inaccurate,” stated Adm. Kevin Landey, acting commander of the Coast Guard. He emphasized that these symbols remain prohibited under current policy and any use or display will be rigorously investigated and met with strict penalties.
“The Coast Guard is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment. Symbols like swastikas and nooses are direct violations of our core values and will be addressed seriously,” he added.
The Coast Guard’s manual on harassment outlines six significant policy changes.
The Washington Post‘s coverage focused mainly on the fourth change, which mentioned that the term “hate incident” would be removed from the policy. However, specifics on the term “hate symbol” were not discussed explicitly in this major alteration.
Instead, the policy indicates that symbols typically viewed as hateful, like nooses and swastikas, along with any symbols associated with hate groups, will be downgraded to “symbols or flags that may cause discord.”
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Coast Guard and published the new policy online, accused the Washington Post of spreading a “hoax” in a recent statement.
During a meeting with top military leaders in September, Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth committed to revising military policies contributing to “divisiveness.”
“I expect there will be further leadership changes,” he remarked.
While the Coast Guard is separate from the Army, it is implementing some policy adjustments following Hegseth’s requests.
Responses to the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security’s statements have been mixed. For instance, the Jewish Democratic Council of America expressed concern, stating, “Welcome to Donald Trump’s America, where the swastika is no longer seen as a hate symbol. This is unacceptable. Anti-Semitic sentiment is normalized when the government fails to act.”
Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey labeled the changes as “disgusting” and as a serious attempt to “normalize hate,” stressing that swastikas, nooses, and the Confederate flag are unmistakable symbols of hatred.
The new policy outlined in the document is set to take effect on December 15th.
