Coast Guard Reframes Policy on Swastikas, Nooses as 'Potentially Divisive'; Critics Warn of Weakened Protections

The U.S. Coast Guard is updating its policy language on the display and reporting of hate symbols such as swastikas, nooses and the Confederate flag. Service leaders say the changes are intended to improve reporting, investigation and enforcement while aligning the Coast Guard's guidance with broader military directives. The revisions take effect Dec. 15.

What changes and what stays the same

The new guidance replaces the specific phrase "hate incident" with the term "potentially divisive" when referring to certain symbols and conduct. It clarifies that conduct previously handled as a potential hate incident will, in some cases where there is an identified aggrieved individual, be processed as "a report of harassment."

The policy continues to prohibit the public display of symbols long associated with racism and hate, and it retains a longstanding restriction on publicly displaying the Confederate flag except in limited contexts such as educational or historical settings. The guidance also notes it does not apply to private spaces out of public view, such as family housing.

Authority and enforcement

Commanders, in consultation with legal advisers, may order the removal of items deemed "potentially divisive" if they are shown to harm unit morale, discipline or mission effectiveness. Coast Guard officials say any display, use or promotion of prohibited symbols will continue to be investigated and disciplined.

"Any display, use or promotion of such symbols, as always, will be thoroughly investigated and severely punished," said Admiral Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard.

Reactions and concerns

The change has prompted criticism from lawmakers and community leaders who worry the rewording could weaken protections against bigotry. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) warned that the policy could "allow for horrifically hateful symbols like swastikas and nooses to be inexplicably permitted to be displayed" and said relaxing such rules amid rising antisemitism sends the wrong message and could put personnel at risk.

Menachem Rosensaft, a Cornell law professor and Jewish community leader, called the swastika "the ultimate symbol of virulent hate and bigotry" and said reframing it as merely "potentially divisive" would amount to downplaying its historical meaning. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described the change as "disgusting," arguing it could embolden extremist views.

Supporters of the revision say the update is intended to make reporting and prosecution clearer and to align Coast Guard policy with recent Defense Department guidance. The shift follows a broader review of military definitions related to hazing, bullying and harassment ordered by Defense Department leadership.

Ongoing debate

The update has set off a broader discussion about how the military should define and respond to biased or hateful conduct while preserving unit cohesion and readiness. The Coast Guard emphasizes it will continue to enforce prohibitions on hate symbols in public settings and that commanders retain authority to act when morale or discipline is affected.