Coast Guard Reclassifies Swastikas and Nooses as ‘Potentially Divisive’; Critics Warn of a Rollback

The U.S. Coast Guard has updated its guidance on the public display of symbols such as swastikas and nooses, changing the language used to describe them from "potential hate incident" to "potentially divisive." The new policy is set to take effect on Dec. 15 and revises how personnel report and respond to incidents tied to harassment and hate-related conduct.

What changed

Under the revised directive, the term "hate incident" has been removed from policy language. Conduct that previously would have been documented as a potential hate incident will now be treated as "a report of harassment in cases with an identified aggrieved individual." The update preserves a long-standing public prohibition on displaying the Confederate flag in most settings, allowing exceptions only for clearly educational or historical contexts. It does not, however, create an explicit, across-the-board ban on other symbols categorized as "potentially divisive."

Authority and enforcement

The guidance makes clear that commanders — in consultation with legal counsel — may order the removal of "potentially divisive" symbols or flags if those items are found to be harming unit morale, discipline or readiness. Service leaders say violations will be investigated and subject to appropriate disciplinary action under existing regulations.

Reactions

The change has prompted criticism and concern from some lawmakers and advocacy groups. Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada warned the revision "rolls back important protections against bigotry" and argued it could permit displays of "horrifically hateful symbols like swastikas and nooses."

"This updated policy rolls back important protections against bigotry and could allow for horrifically hateful symbols like swastikas and nooses to be inexplicably permitted to be displayed." — Sen. Jacky Rosen

Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday has disputed claims that the policy removes existing prohibitions.

"These symbols have been and remain prohibited in the Coast Guard per policy," Lunday said, adding that any display, use or promotion of such symbols "will be thoroughly investigated and severely punished."

Context

Officials say the update was partly intended to align Coast Guard guidance with similar directives across the armed services. The change followed a broader Defense Department review of definitions for hazing, bullying and harassment that sought to examine how those rules affect discipline and readiness.

Why it matters

Supporters of the revision say narrowing or clarifying terminology can help ensure proportional discipline and protect mission focus. Critics counter that weakening language around hate-related conduct risks sending the wrong message to service members and could jeopardize the safety and cohesion of units, particularly at a time when incidents of targeted hate and antisemitism have drawn heightened attention nationwide.

The debate highlights a broader tension across the military between safeguarding free expression, maintaining unit cohesion and protecting members from harassment and targeted hate. As the policy takes effect, both enforcement and community response will shape how the changes are perceived and applied in practice.