Their version, with raised fists, fueled a storm of criticism as it circulated on social media. The photograph, which circulated via Facebook and Twitter, angered some at West Point who found the raised fist — long associated with black power movements — offensive and divisive. Many West Point graduates responded that they had raised fists as part of chants at football games and other celebrations without scrutiny, and questioned whether the women were being held to a different standard. “I find that, based upon available evidence, none of the participants, through their actions, intended to show support for a political movement,” said the investigator, whose name was redacted in a public copy of the inquiry finding released by West Point. A number of current and former members of the military said the raised fists were an inappropriate and divisive sign of allegiance with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Source: New York Times May 10, 2016 20:22 UTC