West Point Investigates Cadets for Political Involvement in Black Lives Matter

A photo posted of sixteen West Point cadets is causing quite the uproar.

All of the pictured cadets are African-American. They can be seen raising their fists in the air, causing many to link the picture to supporting the “Black Lives Matter” movement.

So, why is this a big deal?

If the gesture by the cadets truly represent support for BLM, then the image would violate West Point’s policies against participating in political acts or movements while in uniform.

Lt. Christopher Kasker, a spokesman for West Point, told the NY Daily News that the pictured cadets are members of the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2016. he went on to say that officials are conducting an inquiry.

The raised fist is a symbol associated with Black Lives Matter, although it’s been used by many other groups over the centuries.

Army Times received the photo Wednesday from readers who feel the women violated Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces.