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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

Psychologist reveals alarming message Donald Trump hid in shocking threats to Iran

A clinical psychologist has suggested that Donald Trump’s increasingly intense rhetoric toward Iran may be serving a broader psychological purpose, extending beyond direct political or military messaging….

Biden’s Daughter Gives an Update on His Hospital Stay

Biden Rings the Bell — A Moment Beyond Politics The sound of the bell was simple, but it carried weight. For Joe Biden, it marked the end…

Todd Blanche shares jaw-dropping Pam Bondi claim after Trump fired her as attorney general

Pam Bondi was fired by Donald Trump as Attorney General. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stepped into her place instead, and now, he’s broken his silence on…

Greta Thunberg issues savage response to Trump’s threat as crucial ceasefire plan revealed

The U.S and Iran have managed to negotiate a two-week ceasefire after a more than one-month-long war. However, despite that, President Donald Trump’s threat to ‘destroy a…

Just In: U.S. and Israel Launch Massive Coordinated Str+ke on Iran

The United States and Israel carried out coordinated att+cks on Iran early Saturday, dramatically escalating tensions after weeks of strained diplomacy and the largest American military buildup…

🔴 BREAKING NEWS..Iran Tried to Sink a U.S. Aircraft Carrier — 32 Minutes Later….

The first missile didn’t just light up the radar screen—it ripped apart a carefully maintained illusion. For years, transits through the Strait of Hormuz had followed a…