The Citadel military college in South Carolina has said it is suspending eight cadets after photographs were posted on social media showing them wearing pointed white pillowcases resembling the hoods of the Ku Klux Klan.



Seven freshmen cadets wore the hoods and all-white clothing while singing Christmas carols as part of a Ghosts of Christmas Past skit, according to initial findings by the college in Charleston. An upper classman was also photographed with the group.

The costumes resemble the white hoods and garb worn by members of the white supremacist KKK.

The eight cadets were removed from the campus and could be expelled as a result of the investigation, said Citadel spokesman Brett Ashworth. The school did not identify the cadets.

The Citadel, founded in 1842 and known as the Military College of South Carolina, has a campus in the city where nine black churchgoers were killed on 17 June by a gunman during a Bible study session.

The incident touched off a national debate over the display of the battle flag of the pro-slavery Confederacy, as well as fresh soul-searching over racism in America.

“These images are not consistent with our core values of honor, duty and respect,” said John Rosa, a retired Air Force lieutenant general who is now the Citadel’s president.

Rosa called the photos, which were posted on Snapchat and Facebook, “offensive and disturbing”.

Citadel spokeswoman Kim Keelor-Parker said the school was investigating whether more people took part and would have no further comment until the probe is complete.