West Point Cadets’ “Black Power” salute will go unpunished

Sixteen West Point cadets were photographed posing with fists raised in a "Black Power" salute. (Credit: USMA cadet)

The sixteen black female West Point Cadets who were accused of violating policy by posing for a photo with raised fists in a “black power” salute will not be facing discipline from the US Army.

According to the CNN, the cadets caused quite a stir on the internet last week for making political statement in uniform weeks from graduation, notably being accused that their action was in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement.

Despite the outrage, the US Military Academy said in statement Tuesday that “[they] did not pre-plan or set out to make a political statement” and would not face punishment.

Sixteen West Point cadets were photographed posing with fists raised in a "Black Power" salute. (Credit: USMA cadet)
Sixteen West Point cadets were photographed posing with fists raised in a “Black Power” salute. (Credit: USMA cadet)

Many who defended the girls claimed that the women were being treated differently than the largely white male majority at the school, while critics -including current cadets who requested anonymity to avoid backlash- say that the female cadets are given preferential treatment at the academy.

USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr. said that while they will not be punished, the cadets will receive a block of instruction due to their “lapse of awareness in how symbols and gestures can be misinterpreted and cause division.”

John Burk, the former Army Drill Sergeant responsible for releasing the image declined to comment when asked about West Point’s decision.

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  • Andy Wolf

    Andy Wolf is an Appalachian native who spent much of his youth and young adulthood overseas in search of combat, riches, and adventure- accruing decades of experience in military, corporate, first responder, journalistic and advisory roles. He resides in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains with his K9 companion, Kiki.

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