Do you believe that these West Point first classman are violating the UCMJ by making a political statement while in uniform?

They are in direct violation of UCMJ, this is conduct unbecoming to say the very least. These "future leaders" have placed their inability to see through color on full display for the entire world to see and they should be discharged and disqualified from service the same as a white Cadet would be for participating in a Neo-Nazi rally. These kids have disrespected every woman who has fought for their right to wear the uniform. Could you imagine the outrage if those women were blonde haired, blue eyed white girls with their arms and fingers extended at a 45-degree angle? The sex/race card is out of control.

The reality is this photo was a bad idea, and may come back to haunt these cadets if they choose to make the military a career. While I don't think they acted in good judgment it will be hard to bring for disciplinary action under the UCMJ.
Another point of note is I find it funny the amount of people "offended" by this photo. I wonder what reactions these same people had to the events that were the actual catalyst to the BLM group. I am more offended by unarmed citizens being murdered by law enforcement, than a photo of some 22 year olds raising their fists. Maybe my priorities are different.

Laws, rules, and regulations are in place for a reason and we all know it. Violations need to be corrected. The problem today is the USA is so politically correct that our Leaders everywhere are too scared to enforce them for certain people.

While it will be explained away and forgotten fairly soon, Sir it is my belief it was a very stupid thing to do at that Institution given the time and effort put forth to get to their current level. Regardless of the PC movement it shows a lack of critical thinking and understanding 2nd and 3rd order effects. Considering the path our military is taking these days this will not be the exception but the norm very soon.

Think this is a clear yes.

only if a person is white are they wrong.

As I look over these comments- very much mostly white men- I am startled that everyone is so intensely-focused on the fists and the "sourpuss" looks on their faces. Aren't MOST formal military photographs taken in "straight face"? Mine was not (even though I intended to look tough) because the photographer said something funny about PDA right before she snapped the picture. I got a talking to (at high volume so everyone could enjoy it) from the TI about maintaining my military bearing!!

In any regard- I must admit that the photo worried me a little, too. Are those young cadets propping SWORDS upon their necks? Gracious! What kind of safety plan is THAT? I wish they would put those down before they get a shave they'll never forget!!! I'll bet their mothers had a FIT when they saw that.

Yep- no holding swords on your neck. That should be incorporated into the UCMJ if it is not there already. This way all you white men would have something to whine about, and those naughty cadets could loose their handsome swords, and walk those hours you mentioned below!

No.
How is this photograph any different than a sorority or other organization photo?
A hand held high in victory would seem appropriate for those who slogged through four years of West Point, don't you think?

Cadets do dumb stuff, mostly trying to be funny. Some of my classmates (1982) decided it would be funny to dress in KKK outfits one night during the summer training at Camp Buckner. The pictures were later leaked to the press, and a scandal resulted. I give the above cadets the benefit of the doubt.

They should be demoted