NOVEMBER 21, 2025– The U.S. Coast Guard announced the release of a policy and lawful order that doubles down on its current policies prohibiting the display, distribution or use of hate symbols by Coast Guard personnel.
This is not an updated policy but a new lawful order and policy, combatting misinformation.
The policy and lawful order provides clear definitions, guidance and expectations for Coast Guard personnel. It describes prohibited hate symbols in alignment with military policy.
This is not an updated policy but a new policy to combat any misinformation and double down that the U.S. Coast Guard forbids these symbols.
The policy states:
- The Coast Guard does not tolerate the display of divisive or hate symbols and flags, including those identified with oppression or hatred. These symbols reflect hateful and prohibited conduct that undermines unit cohesion.
- A symbol or flag is prohibited as a reflection of hate if its display adversely affects good order and discipline, unit cohesion, command climate, morale, or mission effectiveness.
- This policy applies to all Coast Guard personnel.
The policy prohibits:
- Divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited. These symbols and flags include, but are not limited to, the following: a noose, a swastika, and any symbols or flags co-opted or adopted by hate-based groups as representations of supremacy, racial or religious intolerance, anti-semitism, or any other improper bias.
- The display of any divisive or hate symbol is prohibited and shall be removed from all Coast Guard workplaces, facilities, and assets.
- Display or depiction of the Confederate battle flag remains prohibited in all Coast Guard workplaces, facilities, and assets. This includes barracks and other quarters where the flag is readily visible, and the exterior of Coast Guard housing. This prohibition includes automotive bumper stickers and other vehicle adornments, clothing and other apparel, and when the flag is displayed inside a vehicle in plain view and readily visible to the public. This prohibition does not apply to state flags or state-issued license plates. It does not apply to displays or depictions where the Confederate battle flag is only an incidental or minor component, such as in works of art, or in educational or historical displays.
The policy and lawful order can be viewed at: Coast Guard Policy and Lawful Order Prohibiting Divisive or Hate Symbols. For media inquiries contact mediarelations@uscg.mil.
About the U.S. Coast Guard
With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. The more than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
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