Coast Guard Removes 'Hate Incident' Label for Swastikas, Nooses and Confederate Flags — Stresses Symbols Remain Prohibited

The U.S. Coast Guard has updated its internal guidance to stop using the phrase "hate incident" when referring to displays of swastikas, nooses, Confederate flags and similar imagery. Those items are now described as "potentially divisive symbols and flags," a change the service says is semantic and does not signal tolerance for such imagery.

Policy changes and enforcement

The Coast Guard says the updated language does not alter enforcement: swastikas, nooses and other extremist or racist imagery remain prohibited, and any display will be investigated and disciplined under current policy. Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday reiterated that the symbols "have been and remain prohibited in the Coast Guard" and that "any display, use or promotion of such symbols... will be thoroughly investigated and severely punished."

Procedural shifts

Key procedural changes include removing the term "hate incident" from official policy documents. Incidents that previously would have been handled as a "potential hate incident" will now be processed through the Coast Guard's harassment procedures when there is an identified aggrieved individual. The guidance states:

"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…The terminology 'hate incident' is no longer present in policy."

The guidance also establishes a 45-calendar-day reporting window for non-sexual harassment complaints (with some discretion to accept reports beyond that period). Previously, the service did not impose a deadline for these types of reports.

Command authority and the Confederate battle flag

Leaders and commanding officers are instructed to inquire about public displays of symbols labeled "potentially divisive" and have authority to direct removal of items that negatively affect morale or mission readiness. The guidance reiterates an existing ban on public display of the Confederate battle flag in Coast Guard workplaces, common access areas, public spaces and operating facilities.

Response and oversight

The changes drew criticism from lawmakers. Rep. Rick Larsen, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said there is no debate that swastikas and nooses are symbols of hate and urged the Coast Guard to do better. Congressional oversight and public scrutiny are likely to continue as lawmakers review the practical effects of the change in terminology and the new reporting deadline.

The Coast Guard, which is the only armed service operating under the Department of Homeland Security, said the harassment-policy updates were made in alignment with guidance from the White House and Department of Defense. The Pentagon has its own extremism guidelines that restrict displays of Confederate flags and swastikas; the Defense Department did not immediately comment on whether it plans parallel terminology changes across other services.

Context

The policy update comes during a period of organizational change for the service, including modernization initiatives such as Force Design 2028, which aims to reshape structure, acquisitions and capabilities. Officials say the revisions are intended to clarify reporting procedures and the chain of command's responsibilities while maintaining prohibitions against extremist and racist imagery.

What this means: The change replaces one label with another and centralizes how qualifying incidents are handled (under harassment procedures when a victim is identified), introduces a reporting deadline for most harassment claims, and renews emphasis on commanders' authority to remove divisive symbols from Coast Guard facilities. Critics argue the new language could undercut recognition of these displays as acts of hate; the Coast Guard insists the underlying prohibitions and disciplinary authorities remain unchanged.