Image Of West Point Cadets Ignites Debate

Observe: This tale was initially in the news in May 2016.

The photograph depicts a team of all-black, all-woman cadets raising their fists, a gesture associated with a controversial movement. Having said that, this gesture has a record spanning centuries, symbolizing resistance for many groups, from labor unions to suffragists to the Black Panthers.

The Military Times attained the photograph from involved visitors, fearing a violation of Office of Protection Directive 1344:10, which discourages cadets from engaging in “partisan political activity” while in uniform.

John Burk, a former soldier turned motivational coach, accused the cadets of aligning with a political motion immediately after being contacted by an nameless military services member expressing issue.

“It’s a truly touchy topic right here,” the nameless resource instructed Burk, in accordance to the Day by day News. “We can get kicked out of West Place, or compelled to repeat yrs for what is identified as a ‘respect board.’ They can be specified just for earning anyone upset, so no a single needs to get kicked out of school … in excess of anything like this.”

Burk’s Facebook post received traction, with lots of commenters expressing dissatisfaction with the cadets’ actions.

“Equality signifies abiding by the same specifications,” 1 commenter wrote. “Kick these Women of all ages OUT!”

“All of these cadets should be expelled, immediately!” a further stated.

The Army’s response and probable disciplinary actions, if any, are still to be established. The identities of the 16 cadets in the image stay unfamiliar.

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