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US Coast Guard rejects rumours of lifting Swastika ban
Swastika, a long revered symbol in Hinduism', has been subject to long-standing scrutiny and prohibition due to its design similarities with the Nazi symbol 'Hakenkreuz'.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Sat, 22, Nov 2025
- 01:53 EST
- 23
(left) Hindu symbol Swastika and Nazi symbol Hakenkreuz (right) / CoHNA
Admiral Kevin Lunday, the Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard rubbished claims about Swastikas no longer being classified as extremist imagery or prohibited symbols, as per U.S. Coast Guard's post on Nov. 21.
Swastika, a long revered symbol in Hinduism', has been subject to long-standing scrutiny and prohibition due to its design similarities with the Nazi symbol 'Hakenkreuz'. The Nazi symbol, however, is rotated at a 45° angle and has straight ends, unlike the Swastika.
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Lunday said, “The claims that the U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses or other extremist imagery as prohibited symbols are categorically false. These symbols have been and remain prohibited in the Coast Guard per policy."
He added, "Any display, use or promotion of such symbols, as always, will be thoroughly investigated and severely punished. The Coast Guard remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and professional workplace. Symbols such as swastikas, nooses and other extremist or racist imagery violate our core values and are treated with the seriousness they warrant under current policy.”
Taking exception to the Coast Guard's policy stance, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) said, "Designations carry meaning and power. Which is why it is the Hakenkreuz that needs to be classified as a “hate” or "potentially divisive,” NOT the Swastika."
It added, "Swastika is not Nazi. It means well-being and is antithetical to Nazi hate. Importantly, Hitler never used the word “Swastika” for his #Nazi symbol. Even in Mein Kampf, Hitler used the word “Hakenkreuz,” a German word meaning “hooked cross"."
“The claims that the U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses or other extremist imagery as prohibited symbols are categorically false. These symbols have been and remain prohibited in the Coast Guard per policy. Any display, use or promotion of such symbols, as…
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) November 20, 2025
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