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Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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

‘Reason why’ Prince William hired same div.orce lawyer his mum Princess Diana used

Prince William Breaks Royal Tradition with Bold Legal Move Prince William has reportedly clashed with royal convention by hiring his late mother’s former lawyer. According to the Daily…

Karmelo Anthony, 17, was later seen “safe at home” after serving time in jail for the fatal stabbing of teen athlete Austin Metcalf. 😮 (check in first comment👇)

Teen Karmelo Anthony Released Under Strict Conditions After Fatal Stabbing Case Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf during a school track meet in…

Watch As This Cockatoo Tells Dad About The Cat. What It Was About? Lol I Can’t Stop Laughing!😂Check out the video in the first comment 👇

Oh boy, do you and I both have a soft spot for pets or what? They breathe life into every corner of our homes, keeping us beaming…

Mom leaves written note on “disrespectful” son’ door, and now it’s going viral…

In order to address her son Aaron’s behavior, a loving mother named Heidi Johnson wrote him a compassionate letter. She posted this letter to Facebook at first,…

I can’t believe this 🤯 How I NEVER knew this one 🧐 Check it in comment

It may seem like a quirk of design or a random byproduct of plastic molding, but that little circular dent on the side or bottom of your…

This is the BEST Chicken and Dumplings recipe with easy homemade fluffy dumplings from scratch! Recipe in (c.o.m.m.e.n.t ).👇

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a beloved comfort food dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and…

Leave a Reply