military regulations
US Coast Guard Revises Classification of Hate Symbols While Maintaining Prohibitions
Nov 21, 2025 02:03 pm CST
The US Coast Guard is implementing policy changes regarding hate symbols like swastikas and nooses, reclassifying them as "potentially divisive" rather than "hate incidents" while maintaining their prohibition. The update, effective December 15, aims to strengthen reporting and enforcement procedures but has sparked criticism from lawmakers concerned about weakening protections against bigotry during rising antisemitism. Military officials insist the symbols remain prohibited and violators will face severe consequences.
Pentagon's New Grooming Policy: How Hegseth's Beard Ban Impacts Religious Service Members
Oct 04, 2025 05:01 pm CST
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new military grooming standards prohibiting beards and long hair have sparked significant backlash from religious advocacy groups. The Sikh Coalition and other organizations argue these regulations force religious service members to choose between their faith and military service, as the Pentagon's memo reverting to pre-2010 standards effectively eliminates religious accommodations for facial hair within a 90-day implementation period.