Archive · 21 Nov 2025
US Coast Guard Clarifies: Swastikas, Nooses Remain Prohibited
The US Coast Guard says it hasn't changed its rules about hating symbols like swastikas and nooses.
They're still not allowed, and people who use them will be punished.
Some people thought the rules had changed because of a change in the words used in the rules, but the Coast Guard says that's not true.
US Coast Guard denies softening stance on extremist symbols
Acting Commandant Kevin Lunday calls viral claim 'categorically false'
Swastikas, nooses, and similar symbols remain prohibited and punishable
Confusion stemmed from policy wording change in civil-rights guidelines
Coast Guard maintains enforcement remains unchanged
- Who
- US Coast Guard
- What
- Clarified its stance on extremist symbols
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Online
- Why
- To address viral misinformation
Prohibition advocates
Policy reform advocates
Symbol classification
Prohibition advocates
Symbols should be explicitly listed as hate incidents
Policy reform advocates
Symbols can be covered under 'potentially divisive' category
- Symbols
- Swastikas, nooses, Confederate flags
- Status
- Remain prohibited
- Consequences
- Thorough investigation and severe punishment
- Policy change
- Reorganization of administrative language
- Background
- Broader directives on hazing and harassment rules
