Overview
- The new memo from Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday declares that “divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited,” explicitly listing a noose, a swastika, and symbols adopted by hate groups, and orders their removal from all Coast Guard workplaces and assets.
- The reversal came hours after The Washington Post revealed internal documents showing a Dec. 15 policy change that downgraded swastikas and nooses to “potentially divisive” and removed the term “hate incident” while adding a 45‑day reporting deadline.
- Senior officials initially rejected the reporting, with Lunday calling the claims “categorically false” and a DHS spokesperson attacking the Post, before the Coast Guard issued a superseding memo that restored the explicit prohibition.
- Jewish organizations and Democratic lawmakers condemned the draft changes as dangerous, and Rep. Lauren Underwood said Lunday personally committed to an across‑the‑board ban during a meeting.
- Questions remain over who authorized the earlier reclassification, while the service reiterates that Confederate flags are barred except in limited historical or incidental contexts.