"In a stunning and hasty reversal, the U.S. Coast Guard announced late Thursday that swastikas and nooses are prohibited hate symbols - erasing an attempt to soften their definition after the plan elicited furious backlash. The abrupt policy change occurred hours after The Washington Post first reported that the service was about to enact new harassment guidelines that downgraded the meaning of such symbols of fascism and racism, labeling them instead "potentially divisive." That shift had been set to take effect Dec. 15."
""Divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited," Lunday wrote in his memo. "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, antisemitism, or any other improper bias." The revision also emphasizes that Confederate flags remain banned from display, except in limited contexts or where it is part of a historical display or a minor part of a painting."
The U.S. Coast Guard reversed a planned reclassification and issued a memo prohibiting swastikas, nooses, and other symbols adopted by hate-based groups. The reversal came hours after guidance had been drafted to label those symbols as "potentially divisive" with a Dec. 15 effective date. Acting commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday's memo states that divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited and lists specific examples, including nooses and swastikas. The revision reiterates that Confederate flags remain banned except in limited historical or artistic contexts. It remained unclear who initiated the earlier reclassification, and DHS did not respond to inquiries.
Read at The Washington Post
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]