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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

From Early Hardship to Lasting Presence: The Inner World of Alain Delon

Before Alain Delon became widely recognized for his striking presence and quiet intensity on screen, his early life was shaped by instability and emotional distance. As a…

Air Canada Pilot Antoine Forest Identified Among Victims of LaGuardia Crash

A promising young pilot’s life was tragically cut short in the recent LaGuardia Airport incident, turning a lifelong dream into a devastating loss for family, colleagues, and…

Suspected gunman’s sickening ‘motive’ behind assassination attempt on Donald Trump

The suspected gunman, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, stormed past security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, carrying several weapons. He was arrested, and police found a…

People are pointing out ‘major proof’ that attempted Trump assassination was staged

The world is in shock as another attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump took place this weekend. However, on social media, people are now claiming the horrifying…

Viewers all spot the same disturbing detail from the attempted Trump shooting

A shooting at a high-profile Washington, D.C. event forced Donald Trump and other officials to be rushed out – but for many watching, the most unsettling detail…

Woman caught on camera snatching wine bottles after attempted Trump shooting

While panic spread through the Washington Hilton ballroom during the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, one moment quickly took on a life of its own…