Coast Guard Designates Swastikas, Nooses and Confederate Flags as Hate Symbols

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard has formally designated swastikas, nooses, and Confederate flags as hate symbols, reinforcing their prohibition within the service, Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday announced Thursday. The move comes after public concern and internal discussions prompted the Coast Guard to clarify its stance on symbols associated with hate and discrimination.

According to officials, the Coast Guard’s existing policies already banned such symbols, but the recent designation aims to explicitly identify and address them to prevent their display among personnel. The clarification underscores the service’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and maintaining discipline.

Adm. Lunday emphasized that the symbols in question — including the swastika, a symbol historically linked to Nazi Germany and white supremacy; the noose, associated with racial terror and lynching; and the Confederate flag, often viewed as a symbol of racial division — are inconsistent with the Coast Guard’s values and standards. “These symbols have no place in our service,” he said in a statement released by the Coast Guard.

The decision follows heightened scrutiny of military and government agencies regarding the presence and tolerance of hate-related imagery. While the Coast Guard is the smallest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, it has faced calls to address issues of diversity and inclusion more directly.

Officials noted that the designation does not introduce new prohibitions but rather clarifies existing rules to ensure all members understand the expectations and consequences related to displaying hate symbols. The Coast Guard’s Uniform Code of Military Justice and other regulations prohibit conduct that undermines good order and discipline, including the display of offensive symbols.

The Coast Guard’s policy update aligns with similar actions taken by other branches of the military, which have moved to restrict symbols and behaviors that could foster discrimination or harassment. The Navy, Army, and Air Force have all implemented measures to address the use of Confederate flags and other divisive imagery.

The announcement also comes amid broader national conversations about race, history, and symbolism in public institutions. The Coast Guard’s leadership has expressed the importance of creating a work environment free from intimidation and hostility, which includes addressing symbols that can evoke pain or division among service members.

While the Coast Guard has not detailed specific disciplinary procedures tied to violations of the hate symbol policy, officials said enforcement would be consistent with existing military regulations. Commanders at various levels are expected to uphold the standards and take appropriate action when necessary.

The designation has been met with support from advocacy groups that monitor hate symbols and promote diversity within the military. They view the Coast Guard’s clarification as a positive step toward ensuring all service members are treated with respect and dignity.

As the Coast Guard continues to refine its policies on inclusion and conduct, officials indicated ongoing training and education efforts will accompany enforcement to foster awareness and understanding among personnel.

The Coast Guard’s clarification signals a continued effort by the military to address symbols associated with hate and to reinforce a culture of respect and unity across all branches.