'Highly insensitive, completely inappropriate' photo condemned by DMAPS cabinet secretary

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — A number of West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees are suspended and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is calling for some terminations after a photo surfaced that shows more than 30 participants in a basic training class doing a Nazi salute.

The cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety has sent a letter to all employees of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation condemning the photo. The class was conducted Oct. 21 through Nov. 27.

Eyewitness News obtained a copy of the photo from the governor’s office.

Jeff Sandy, the cabinet secretary for DMAPS, sent the letter on Wednesday titled "Conduct Unbecoming by Members of DCR" and addressed it to all employees.

"I have seen the photo of Basic Training Class Number 18. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," Sandy wrote. "It is distasteful, hurtful, disturbing, highly insensitive and completely inappropriate."

Sandy went on to say the photo undermines the high standards that have been set for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

"It betrays the professionalism I have seen time and time again displayed and practiced by our brave correctional employees," Sandy's letter said.

The letter does not specifically describe what the photo is of, who exactly is in it, or when or how it was discovered.

"In the meantime, Commissioner Jividen has directed that all copies be destroyed, sent to this office, or otherwise taken out of circulation to keep its harm from spreading," Sandy said.

Betsy Jividen serves as commissioner of the state Division of Corrections.

Sandy went on to write that faith and community leaders were informed of the incident and have been asked for their help to address it "effectively," including with recommended changes or additions to their training program.

The governor has been briefed on the photo and released a statement just before noon on Thursday.

“I condemn the photo of Basic Training Class #18 in the strongest possible terms,” Justice said. “I have directed Secretary Jeff Sandy of the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety to continue actively investigating this incident and I have ordered the termination of all those that are found to be involved in this conduct. This will not be tolerated on my watch – within the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation – or within any agency of state government.”

The photo is drawing strong reaction from some lawmakers.

House Assistant Majority Leader Kayla Kessinger, R-Fayette, condemned the picture in a statement, saying she was "shocked beyond words at this outrageous photo.”

“As someone who has worked to build bridges with our local Jewish community, I know how harmful and offensive horrible displays like this can be, and my heart breaks for my friends who will be deeply affected by this," Kessinger said.

Kessinger said the photo does not express West Virginia values, and she said the Jewish community and the world audience should now that “we condemn this ignorant, hateful display in the strongest terms possible.”