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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

Strange goings-on at neighbor’s roof spark reports from Dutch village residents

Snow had settled over the Netherlands, turning streets and homes into a winter landscape. For most villagers, it was a familiar sight. Yet in one small village,…

Music Legend, 87, Overcomes Injury Ahead of Album Launch

A sudden accident has placed a beloved country music legend in the spotlight for unexpected reasons. At 87 years old, the performer suffered a serious fall that…

BREAKING NEWS…US officials: Russia is giving Iran….

US officials: Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on the locations of US forces in the Middle East US officials say Russia is providing Iran with intelligence…

–Savannah Guthrie just collapsed live on the TODAY show after police rushed to … See more

In 2026, where the “light of truth” is often obscured by the “absolute” speed of digital commentary, the network’s plea for privacy was met with a “historic”…

Pima County Sheriff issues alert for kidnapping suspect 7 miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since February 1. Authorities believe the 84-year-old was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home…

‘Most tattooed woman’ to undergo ‘highly illegal’ procedure in Spain

Amber Luke’s body transformation is about to take another dramatic turn as the influencer travels overseas for a controversial procedure that is “highly illegal” in Australia. Australia’s…