Officials at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, say they are investigating allegations that students at both institutions used a “White Power” hand signal during pregame ceremonies at the 120th annual Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia on December 14.
During the pregame telecast, students were seen using an upside-down OK hand gesture that has been ruled a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League. The OK hand symbol used upside down is said to form the letters WP and has been used by some far-right groups as a symbol for “White Power,” according to the Anti-Defamation League.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s latest data, African Americans are 12 percent of the students at West Point and 7 percent of the students at the Naval Academy.
Update: An invesitgation by the U.S. Navy determined that the hand signals were not racially motivated.
I would hope the investigation by the USNA would not be concluded this quickly
Gives the distinct impression the matter has been trivialized by the Naval Academy hierarchy
From an associated discussion on the topic:
“The problem i have with this conclusion is : how do you play the circle game with a tv camera ? Who are you gonna punch in the shoulder for looking?”
It beggars belief that a symbol adopted by”far right “white power” groups can be deemed “not racially motivated.” To reach such a conclusion suggests that the Naval Academy felt compelled to “keep the lid” on something.