The Astorian staff On Nov. 20, the Coast Guard reversed a policy regarding symbols including swastikas and nooses that had been listed under “hate incidents.” The new policy, set to take effect Dec. 15, would classify them as “potentially divisive.” However, since the initial statement was released, pushback has spurred what seems like a reversal. The New York Times reported Tuesday that “after days of backlash, the Homeland Security Department said hateful and violent behavior would not be tolerated.” The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security and also a branch of the armed services, subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. A statement issued Saturday by Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin clarified that even private displays of hate symbols were prohibited and banned. “The display of divisive and hate symbols, including in private, violates our core values and has no place in the Coast Guard. The men and women of the Coast Guard are held to a higher standard, on duty or off duty.” That includes bullying and hazing, McLaughlin said. “The Coast Guard does not condone or authorize acts of aggression with the intent of harming or aggrieving any member physically or psychologically” Whether the new directive will be rewritten to reflect McLaughlin’s statements prior to Dec. 15, the date the new policy is to go into effect, remains unclear. The Astorian reached out to local Coast Guard officials but did not get a statement by press time.
https://dailyastorian.com/2025/11/25/coast-guard-clarifies-controversial-policy-change-on-hate-symbols/
Coast Guard clarifies controversial policy change on hate symbols
