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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

Son who donated part of his liver to his father unfortunately ends up fa… See more

A deeply emotional story is circulating about a son who courageously donated part of his liver to save his father’s life, only to face heartbreaking complications afterward….

Beloved Childhood TV Personality Passes Away at 42

He survived so much. Yet this time, there was no miracle. The former child actor who once lit up television screens is gone, taken suddenly after years…

THE SEARCH IS OVER: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE BREAKS DOWN LIVE AS POLICE DELIVER THE FINAL, HEARTBREAKING UPDATE IN HER MOTHER’S CASE

The search that captured national attention has officially come to an end, and the emotional weight of the moment unfolded live on air. Savannah Guthrie, known for…

Former Grey’s Anatomy co-star makes bombshell allegation against Eric Dane after his death

Eric Dane became a huge star on Grey’s Anatomy. The actress, who passed away last week after battling ALS, has been praised by many. However, now, a…

RIGHT NOW, PLANE WITH MORE THAN 244 ONBOARD JUST CRASH… See more

Breaking headlines claiming that a plane with more than 244 people onboard has just crashed have spread rapidly online, causing fear and confusion among readers. Posts using…

All the grim things found inside Jeffrey Epstein’s abandoned “Lolita Express” plane

The Boeing 727 formerly owned by disgraced financier and notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein yet holds grim secrets relating to his dark past. The aircraft has remained grounded…