### Coast Guard's Controversial Policy Shift on Hate Symbols Sparks Outrage The U.S. Coast Guard recently faced significant backlash after it was reported that its new guidelines categorized hate symbols, including swastikas and nooses, as "potentially divisive" rather than outright hate symbols. This change, which appeared to soften the agency's stance on extremist imagery, drew criticism from lawmakers, Jewish advocacy groups, and the public. Following the uproar, the Coast Guard quickly reversed its position, reaffirming that these symbols are indeed classified as hate symbols and are prohibited from display across all Coast Guard locations [https://www.newsweek.com/us-coast-guard-changes-swastika-policy-after-widespread-backlash-11085536, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/coast-guard-swastika-hate-symbol-guidelines-b2869435.html]. ### Breakdown of the Coast Guard's Policy Change and Response 1. **Initial Policy Announcement**: The Coast Guard's new guidelines initially labeled swastikas and nooses as "potentially divisive," which was interpreted as a downgrade in their classification as hate symbols [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/uscg-reverses-policy-dropping-swastika-nooses-as-hate-symbol-after-backlash-by-mamdani-others-101763711748614.html]. 2. **Public and Political Backlash**: The response from various stakeholders, including lawmakers and advocacy groups, was swift and critical, leading to widespread media coverage and public outcry [https://www.advocate.com/news/coast-guard-divisive-symbols-reversal]. 3. **Reversal of Policy**: In light of the backlash, the Coast Guard issued a new order clarifying that swastikas and nooses are indeed classified as hate symbols and are prohibited from display [https://www.tmj4.com/politics/coast-guard-reverses-policy-changes-now-clearly-forbids-display-of-swastikas-and-other-hate-images]. 4. **Clarification of Terms**: The Coast Guard's updated policy explicitly states that "divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited," including swastikas and nooses, thus restoring the previous classification [https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/national/coast-guard-reverses-course-on-policy-to-call-swastikas-and-nooses-potentially-divisive/article_62417530-de51-580f-9fa6-c41cb7fbc4f0.html]. ### Evidence of the Policy Shift and Its Reversal - **Initial Guidelines**: The Coast Guard's original policy described swastikas and nooses as "potentially divisive," which was met with significant criticism [https://www.apnews.com/article/coast-guard-swastikas-nooses-hate-symbols-policy-43b1ff282da18694184ff20ff8ce7c4a]. - **Public Reaction**: Lawmakers and advocacy groups expressed outrage, leading to a rapid reassessment of the policy [https://www.salon.com/2025/11/21/coast-guard-reverses-course-reclassifies-swastikas-and-nooses-as-hate-symbols]. - **Final Policy Statement**: The Coast Guard's final statement confirmed that swastikas and nooses are prohibited as hate symbols, effectively reversing the earlier classification [https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/11/21/coast-guard-reverses-course-calls-swastikas-and-nooses-hate-symbols]. ### Conclusion: A Lesson in Accountability and Sensitivity **The U.S. Coast Guard's experience highlights the importance of clear communication and sensitivity regarding hate symbols.** 1. **Initial Misstep**: The initial classification of hate symbols as "potentially divisive" was met with immediate backlash, indicating a disconnect with public sentiment and historical context. 2. **Rapid Response**: The swift reversal of the policy demonstrates the power of public advocacy and the need for institutions to remain accountable to their communities. 3. **Final Clarification**: The reaffirmation that swastikas and nooses are hate symbols serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against hate and the importance of maintaining clear and firm policies against such imagery. This incident underscores the necessity for organizations, especially those in public service, to approach sensitive topics with the utmost care and clarity to avoid misinterpretation and backlash [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/coast-guard-swastika-hate-symbol-guidelines-b2869435.html].