U.S. Coast Guard Updates Hate Symbol Policy, Faces Criticism Over 'Potentially Divisive' Label
The U.S. Coast Guard updated its policy on hate symbols, classifying swastikas and nooses as "potentially divisive." This change draws criticism, though existing prohibitions remain.
Overview
- The U.S. Coast Guard is implementing new policies and language concerning the display of hate symbols, including swastikas and nooses, within its ranks.
- Under the updated policy, symbols such as swastikas and nooses are now officially categorized as "potentially divisive," a change from previous classifications.
- The new policy maintains the existing prohibition on the public display of the Confederate flag, ensuring its continued ban within the Coast Guard.
- Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen has voiced strong criticism, arguing the policy's classification of swastikas as "potentially divisive" weakens protections against bigotry.
- Adm. Kevin Lunday clarified that the updated policy does not reverse any prior prohibitions on hate symbols, aiming to address concerns about potential rollbacks.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the perceived softening of the Coast Guard's stance on hate symbols. They highlight the shift in terminology from "hate incident" to "potentially divisive" and prioritize strong criticism from lawmakers. While including the Coast Guard's defense and broader military context, the narrative's structure and initial focus underscore the controversial nature of the policy changes.
"The new Coast Guard policy, which is set to take effect on Dec. 15 and was first reported by The Washington Post, is facing pushback."
Military Times"The new policy explicitly says that “the terminology ‘hate incident’ is no longer present in policy” and conduct that would have previously been handled as a potential hate incident will now be treated as “a report of harassment in cases with an identified aggrieved individual.”"
Associated Press"The updated harassment regulation said that displaying the symbols may still merit harassment investigations, but the service no longer recognizes hate incidents as a specific category of misconduct."
USA TODAYArticles (3)
FAQ
The Coast Guard updated its language to classify swastikas and nooses as 'potentially divisive' to reflect a broader policy approach, but it maintains existing prohibitions on their public display. The change in terminology is meant to clarify internal guidance without reversing prior bans.
No, the updated policy continues to prohibit the public display of the Confederate flag within the Coast Guard, maintaining the existing ban.
Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen and others have criticized the policy, arguing that labeling swastikas as 'potentially divisive' instead of explicitly banning them weakens protections against bigotry and could be seen as downplaying the severity of hate symbols.
No, Adm. Kevin Lunday clarified that the updated policy does not reverse any prior prohibitions on hate symbols. The Coast Guard continues to ban the public display of symbols like swastikas, nooses, and the Confederate flag.
History
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