Additional Coverage:
- Coast Guard pushes back on reports of hate symbol policy change (abcnews.go.com)
Coast Guard Reaffirms Ban on Hate Symbols Amidst Policy Clarification Concerns
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a categorical denial against reports suggesting a change in its classification of swastikas and nooses, firmly stating that these symbols remain prohibited and will be met with severe disciplinary action. This clarification comes after an internal document, dated November 2, appeared to reclassify incidents involving such symbols from “hate incidents” to “harassment.”
Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard Kevin Lunday unequivocally stated that “claims that the U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses or other extremist imagery as prohibited symbols are categorically false.” He emphasized that any “display, use or promotion of such symbols, as always, will be thoroughly investigated and severely punished.”
The controversy arose from a November 2 policy update which stated, “Conduct previously handled as a potential hate incident, including those involving symbols widely identified with oppression or hatred, is processed as a report of harassment in cases with an identified aggrieved individual, or in accordance with Chapter 11 of this Instruction… The terminology ‘hate incident’ is no longer present in policy.”
However, the Coast Guard swiftly moved to rectify any misinterpretation, releasing an updated document on Thursday that explicitly states “hate symbols” are prohibited. Lunday further asserted, “The Coast Guard remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and professional workplace. Symbols such as swastikas, nooses and other extremist or racist imagery violate our core values and are treated with the seriousness they warrant under current policy.”
A review of the November 2 document in comparison to a 2023 version by ABC News revealed a shift in terminology from “potential hate symbols” to “potentially divisive symbols.” While both versions indicated disciplinary action for the display of these images, the key difference appeared to be the re-labeling of incidents from “hate” to “harassment.”
The November 2025 document listed “a noose, a swastika, and any symbols or flags co-opted or adopted by hate-based groups as representations of supremacy, racial or religious intolerance, or other bias” as “Potentially divisive symbols and flags.” In contrast, a 2023 document categorized “a noose, a swastika, supremacist symbols, Confederate symbols or flags, and anti-Semitic symbols” as “potential hate incidents.”
The Coast Guard’s most recent document, released on Thursday, clearly states that “divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited.” It elaborates, “These symbols and flags include, but are not limited to, the following: a noose, a swastika, and any symbols or flags co-opted or adopted by hate-based groups as representations of supremacy, racial or religious intolerance, anti-semitism, or any other improper bias. The display of any divisive or hate symbol is prohibited and shall be removed from all Coast Guard workplaces, facilities, and assets.”
In a direct message to all Coast Guard members, obtained by ABC News, Lunday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Phil Waldron reiterated their stance. “Let me be absolutely clear: The Coast Guard’s policy prohibiting hate and discrimination is absolute,” the message read.
“These prohibited symbols represent repugnant ideologies that are in direct opposition to everything we stand for. We have zero tolerance for hate within our ranks.”
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- Coast Guard pushes back on reports of hate symbol policy change (abcnews.go.com)