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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

These are the consequences of sleeping co… See more

It began as a routine night — nothing unusual, just two people sharing the same bed as they had done countless times before. But sometimes, what happens…

UPDATE: The hero from Bondi has now been identified as 43 yea…See more

The man hailed as a hero following the dramatic incident in Bondi has now been identified as Ahmed, a 43-year-old local who acted without hesitation when it…

Our thoughts and prayers are with Trump Family during these difficult times… See more

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Trump family during these difficult times, as they face a moment that has drawn concern and attention from across the…

Rob Reiner’s eldest daughter breaks silence after actor and wife found dead in home

Tracy Reiner’s voice broke as the world shattered. Her father, director Rob Reiner, and stepmother Michele were gone, found in circumstances too brutal to grasp. The headlines…

Holocaust survivor and 10-year-old girl among identified victims in Bondi Beach “bloodbath”

A 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor were among the 15 victims killed after gunfire ripped through a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, turning the festive…

Over $1.3 million raised for hero who tackled gunman during Bondi Beach terror attack

The horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday has sent shockwaves around the world. At the same time, attention has also turned to an…