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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

Related Posts

My father announced he was “gifting” my $2M Aspen home to my sister at her wedding. When I said no, he punched me in front of 200 guests. He didn’t know I had video, a team of lawyers, and a legal clause that would seize his company.

My name is Evelyn Grant, and at 34, I’ve built a life no one in my family ever thought I could lead. I’m an architect in Chicago….

My husband threw me out with just $43 to my name. Digging through my old things, I found my late father’s dusty bank card and went to the bank, hoping for a few forgotten dollars. When the teller looked at the screen, his face drained of color—and my life changed in an instant.

My name is Emma Reynolds, and if someone had told me that my entire life would collapse in one afternoon, I would have laughed. I lived in…

Found this at a yard sale but I have no idea what it is. Thoughts?

r many of us, history is something that we took in school and we probably forgot more about what we learned in the class than what we…

“9 Signs Your Home Is Dirtier Than You Think”

We all want our homes to feel fresh, welcoming, and comfortable—especially when visitors are expected. But a house that looks clean at first glance can still hide…

A billionaire father walked into his daughter’s school to surprise her at lunch… and instead

Mrs. Aldridge froze, the color draining from her face as she realized who stood before her. Leonard Hayes, the billionaire tech mogul, was not just any parent….

“MOM! LOOK!” my daughter screamed. I ran in to find finger-shaped bru/ises on my newborn niece. My husband took our daughter out and called 911…

“MOM! LOOK!” my daughter screamed. I ran in to find finger-shaped bru/ises on my newborn niece. My husband took our daughter out and called 911. But when…