The U.S. Coast Guard is making a controversial shift in how it labels certain symbols. Starting December 15, 2025, swastikas and nooses will no longer be officially classified as “hate symbols.” Instead, the new guidance rebrands them as “potentially divisive”.
Under the revised policy, when such symbols are displayed, supervisors are required to investigate and consult legal counsel before making removal decisions. The change also introduces a 45-day window for reporting these incidents — a significant shift from previous procedures.
The move aligns with a broader rethink of harassment and “hate incident” definitions within the Coast Guard, with some prior tough language being replaced. However, not everyone agrees with the change: critics warn that the softer terminology could undercut protections against real bias and intimidation.
At the same time, some Coast Guard officials dispute reports about the policy change. They argue that the symbols are still prohibited and insist the new guidelines do not mean a tolerance for extremist imagery.
