Overview
- The Washington Post reported a directive set for Dec. 15 would label the swastika, a noose, and some Confederate imagery as “potentially divisive” rather than automatically hate-based.
- Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday called claims the symbols are no longer banned “categorically false,” said displays will still be investigated and punished, and noted the phrase is not in his memo.
- Coast Guard spokeswoman Jennifer Plozai said the service disagreed with the report’s framing and will review the guideline language.
- Reports also describe procedural changes adding a 45-day window to report incidents and requiring commanders to seek legal advice before deciding violations, prompting concern about cases at sea.
- Coverage ties the reported shift to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push to narrow harassment standards under President Donald Trump, drawing criticism from lawmakers and Jewish leaders.