In particular, the inquiry sought to determine whether the cadets were making a prohibited political statement with the photo. The inquiry found that the cadets did not pre-plan or set out to make a political statement. As did many of their classmates, this group took multiple graduation photos, some of which were in a long-held tradition of mimicking nineteenth-century cadet photos. The inquiry concluded that the photo in question was taken on the spur of the moment and was intended to demonstrate their pride in graduating from one of the most challenging undergraduate experiences in the country.
The impact of this photo was division, not the shared unity that it intended. It is clear in retrospect that the symbol of the clenched fist carries with it many, varied and emotional responses. Symbols mean many things to many people.
Some have suggested that this photo solely represents political activism. The inquiry determined that this is not the case and the Commandant and I accept that finding. Groups at West Point have used clenched-fists in the past year to represent support for a team, or pride in serving the Army and the Nation. For instance, last July, the class of 2019 spontaneously raised their fist in pride upon the playing of the Army Strong song during the Fourth of July concert. Last December, on the night before the Army-Navy game, I joined hundreds of staff and graduates in raising our fist in support of the Army football team during the Army-Navy pep rally video. The time, place and manner of a symbol can also hold significant meaning and influence perception.
While the inquiry did not find that these cadets violated a policy or regulation, it did determine that they demonstrated a lapse of awareness in how symbols and gestures can be misinterpreted and cause division. The impact of this photo, regardless of its intent, is evident. It is unfortunate that this perception brought attention to our Alma Mater for all the wrong reasons.
We must all learn from this incident. As members of the Profession of Arms, we are held to a high standard, where our actions are constantly observed and scrutinized in the public domain. We all must understand that a symbol or gesture that one group of people may find harmless may offend others. As Army officers, we are not afforded the luxury of a lack of awareness of how we are perceived. Accordingly, the Commandant will administer a developmental block of instruction for these cadets to address their intent versus the impact of the photo. There are teaching points that must be captured, and this is an opportunity to learn them.
The four-year West Point leader development experience is centered on the reality that we must build teams where everyone feels that they are a valued member. Our Army's mission to fight and win our nation's wars demands it.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Caslen, Jr. Lieutenant General, US Army Superintendent
With as much DISrespect as I can muster, that is a load of horseshit Lt. Gen Caslen. As a former Army Officer and combat wounded veteran, I am ashamed and dismayed at your assertions that the demonstration was NOT preplanned nor set out to make a political statement is a flat out LIE. There will be no service in Duty, Honor and Country for these cadets because they have demonstrated a complete lack of all three. I pity the brave men and women who have to serve under them and I am deeply troubled with what has happened to my Army. The truth is, “This ain’t your father’s Army”.
A storm is brewing.
Heads are going to roll far and wide
Soon.
Quote:
“Blah....blah...blah......The four-year West Point leader development experience is centered on the reality that we must build teams where everyone feels that they are a valued member. Our Army’s mission to fight and win our nation’s wars demands it.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Caslen, Jr. Lieutenant General, US Army Superintendent”
General(spit)Caslen, “winning wars” is the last thing that concerns you. You are a disgrace to the uniform.
No surprise here. We no longer have standards applied uniformly regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. PC rules. The Rule of Law is dead.
Thanks, General. Enjoy your retirement secure in the knowledge that the Army you've left your country is populated by what you see before you.
Make no mistake about it, the individuals pictured will happily order their troops to open fire on their country's citizens if the latter happen to have skin of the politically incorrect color. That's what that salute meant. And anyone who thinks otherwise is living in a fantasy world.
Did anyone really expect any other outcome?
Like the Stars and Bars?
Bull Shitte.
(Did he get his morning call back from Oboma’s White House?)
African women NOTgiving Black Power Salute: 
"How can I help it? How can I help but see what is in front of my eyes? Two and two are four." "Sometimes, Winston. Sometimes they are five. Sometimes they are three. Sometimes they are all of them at once. You must try harder. It is not easy to become sane.” ― George Orwell, 1984
Hey, Gen. Caslen—What if the cadets in question were ole White Southern boys standing around a Confederate flag with their fists raised?