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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

Donald Trump sparks concerns after sharing chilling post stating ‘the end is near’

When the digital landscape is already fractured by geopolitical tension and the volatile pulse of global conflict, a single, unadorned post can send shockwaves through the public…

Coach goes viral online for this one act during kids’ basketball game

Teachers rarely measure their impact in test scores alone. What they leave behind often lives in small, quiet moments—gestures that shape how a child feels about themselves…

Here’s what the sticker says. What do you think??……

When Dillon Shane Webb pulled his vehicle onto the road, he likely expected nothing more than a routine commute. He certainly did not anticipate that a simple,…

Late-Night Sighting: Trump Spotted With Mysterious Item

A blurry image of a public figure can become a national Rorschach test in minutes. If Donald Trump is seen outside at an unusual hour, people do…

Spanish matador shares gruesome details of awful injuries after ‘most painful goring ever’

Spanish bullfighter Morante de la Puebla is facing a long and painful recovery after a violent incident in the ring left him seriously injured. The 46-year-old matador,…

Concerns Mount as Police Investigate Home of Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother

An 84-year-old woman is gone, and nothing about her disappearance makes sense. No confusion, no quiet wandering, no simple mistake. Just an empty home that now feels…