Coast Guard Updates Policy on Hate Symbols,drops ’Hate Incident’ Terminology
WASHINGTON (December 6,2023) – The U.S. Coast Guard has revised its policy regarding the display of hate symbols, including swastikas and nooses, prohibiting them while simultaneously removing the term “hate incident” from official documentation. The updated policy, released in November, states that such symbols “have been and remain prohibited” and any display, use, or promotion will be “thoroughly investigated and severely punished,” according to a statement from a Coast Guard official.
The change comes less than two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a review of hazing,bullying,and harassment definitions across the military,arguing existing policies were “overly broad” and “jeopardizing combat readiness.” The Pentagon has not yet provided details on the scope or timeline of that review.
Under the new guidelines, commanders, in consultation with legal counsel, can order the removal of “possibly divisive” symbols or flags if they negatively impact unit morale or discipline. However, the policy is silent on whether Coast Guard personnel will be able to claim they were victims of hate incidents; conduct previously categorized as such will now be treated as “a report of harassment” when an individual is identified.
The Coast Guard, a branch of America’s armed forces under the Department of Homeland Security, stated the update aligns with similar directives from the Pentagon and reflects its past practice of modeling human resources policies on other military services.
The policy shift has drawn criticism. Menachem Rosensaft, a law professor at Cornell university and Jewish community leader, stated that “the swastika is the ultimate symbol of virulent hate and bigotry, and even a consideration by the Coast Guard to no longer classify it in this very way would be equivalent to dismissing the Ku Klux Klan’s burning crosses and hoods as merely ‘potentially divisive.'” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the move “disgusting, and it’s more encouragement from the Republicans of extremism.”
The previous Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Linda Fagan, was fired on President Donald Trump’s first day in office, with Trump officials later citing an “excessive focus” on diversity and inclusion efforts as a contributing factor.
