Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2016.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 News, Army Times
The controversial photo of West Point cadets raising their fists has sparked a heated debate over whether the gesture constitutes a violation of Department of Defense Directive 1344:10. While some argue that the cadets were engaging in partisan political activity by aligning themselves with a specific movement, others point out that the fist-raising gesture has a long history of representing resistance by various groups.
Former soldier and motivational coach John Burk played a significant role in bringing attention to the photo, sharing it on his Facebook page and expressing concern over the potential consequences for the cadets. An anonymous military source echoed this sentiment, highlighting the fear of facing disciplinary action, including expulsion or being forced to repeat years at West Point.
The reaction to the photo has been divided, with some calling for the immediate expulsion of the cadets while others defend their actions as a form of expression. The debate surrounding the photo underscores the complexities of navigating political expression within the military and the potential consequences that cadets may face for their actions.
As the Army considers how to address the situation, the fate of the 16 cadets in the photo remains uncertain. It is yet to be determined whether any disciplinary actions will be taken and whether the cadets will face any consequences for their controversial gesture.
The photo of the West Point cadets has brought to light the challenges of balancing personal expression with military regulations, sparking a broader conversation about the intersection of politics and the armed forces. The ongoing debate serves as a reminder of the complexities of navigating political activism within a military setting and the potential consequences that may arise from such actions.
