West Point Clears Cadets Who Raised Black Power Fists In Photo

Members of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2016 did not violate any code of conduct regulations, officials said in a statement.

Sixteen female West Point cadets, who took a photo with their arms raised in Black Power fists, did not violate a directive that warns against “partisan political activity” while in uniform, reports NBC News:

The 16 cadets — members of the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2016 — did not violate any code of conduct regulations, and the April 26 photo was one of several that the young women took in a spur-of-the-moment shot, the prestigious military academy said.

“It was intended to demonstrate ‘unity’ and ‘pride,’ according to the findings of the inquiry,” according to a statement.

[…]

The inquiry ultimately found that there was no intention of making a political statement — although backlash online suggested otherwise after the photo went viral.

The women are set to graduate on May 21.

SOURCE: NBC News | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter