Antisemitism and Hate Symbols

An internal November directive had reclassified swastikas, nooses and Confederate symbols as “potentially divisive” rather than labeling them “hate incidents,” raising the disciplinary threshold, requiring an identified aggrieved individual for harassment action, and allowing some private displays — prompting bipartisan concern and questions from Sens. Jacky Rosen and James Lankford. Amid public outcry the Coast Guard issued a late‑night memo explicitly reaffirming that “divisive or hate symbols and flags” (including nooses, swastikas and symbols adopted by hate groups, and the Confederate battle flag) remain prohibited across Coast Guard locations, with Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday saying claims of a rollback were “categorically false” and promising investigations and penalties for violations.