Photo Of West Point Cadets Sparks Controversy

Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.

The photo appears to show the all-black, all-female cadets raising their fists in a gesture that has lately come to be associated with the controversial movement. However, the gesture has been used for centuries to symbolize resistance by a variety of groups, from labor unions to suffragists to Black Panthers.

The Army Times reports that it received the photo from concerned readers who were worried that the cadets may have violated Department of Defense Directive 1344:10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces. The directive discourages cadets from “partisan political activity” when in uniform.

John Burk, a former soldier and now current motivational coach, accused the cadets of aligning themselves with a political movement. He noted on his Facebook page that an anonymous military service member reached out to him to express their concern.

“It’s a really touchy subject here,” the anonymous source told Burk, according to the Daily News. “We can get kicked out of West Point, or forced to repeat years for what is called a ‘respect board.’ They can be given just for making someone upset, so no one wants to get kicked out of college … over something like this.”

Burk’s Facebook post has since gone viral, and many commenters were unhappy with the cadets’ actions.

“Equality means abiding by the same standards,” one commenter wrote. “Kick those WOMEN OUT!”

“All of these cadets should be expelled, immediately!” another said.

It remains to be seen what disciplinary actions the Army will take, if any. The 16 cadets in the photo have yet to be identified.

Sources: Daily NewsArmy Times

Related Posts

Why Sean Penn didn’t attend the Academy Awards as he wins third Oscar

Sean Penn won his third Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards – but he wasn’t there to see it happen. Sean Penn, 65, won his third Oscar…

Nicole Kidman’s Oscars appearance sparks concern as fans notice odd detail

Nicole Kidman was just one of many Hollywood stars who attended the Academy Awards on Sunday. However, a few things left fans on social media concerned for…

Ex-adult star who says she slept with Trump made one surprising claim about his manhood

A former adult film star who claimed she once had a sexual encounter with President Donald Trump didn’t hold back when describing the experience. In her memoir,…

Donald Trump gives White House correspondent harrowing nickname and threatens to sue her

Donald Trump has lashed out at several female journalists in recent months. Now, it’s happened again. In a post on Truth Social, the 79-year-old called the NY…

Jimmy Kimmel makes brutal dig at Melania Trump at the Oscars

Jimmy Kimmel rarely misses an opportunity to take a dig at Donald Trump and those closest to him, so it was hardly a surprise Melania Trump found…

Paris Jackson Speaks Openly About

Paris Jackson, daughter of the late music icon Michael Jackson, has spoken candidly in past interviews about the difficult years she faced while growing up in the…