The U.S. Coast Guard is updating its rules about how it deals with symbols of hate, like swastikas and nooses, and how employees report incidents.
The Coast Guard says these symbols are still not allowed. They see the updated rules as a way to improve how they report, investigate, and punish those who break the rules.
Admiral Kevin Lunday, the acting head of the Coast Guard, said that anyone who displays, uses, or promotes these symbols will be fully investigated and punished.
In 2020, the Coast Guard said that symbols like swastikas and nooses were “widely identified with oppression or hatred.” The new policy calls these symbols “potentially divisive,” saying they can hurt morale, discipline, and teamwork.
The rules still ban displaying the Confederate flag in public, except in a few cases like for education or history. The rules don’t apply to private places like family homes.
Some people are criticizing the new policy. Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen said it weakens protections against hate and could allow hateful symbols to be displayed. She said this sends the wrong message to Coast Guard members.
Admiral Lunday said the policy does not weaken any bans. He said it’s not true to say otherwise.
The new policy also changes how the Coast Guard handles “hate incidents.” Now, these will be treated as reports of harassment.
The Coast Guard says the changes are meant to be consistent with similar rules from the Pentagon.
Some worry the changes could lead to a rise in extremism. Senator Chuck Schumer called the move “disgusting” and said it encourages extremism from Republicans.
