The Board’s Decision and Its Implications
The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) made headlines on Friday when its board of visitors voted not to extend the contract of Major General Cedric T. Wins, the school’s first Black superintendent. The decision, made after a closed-door session that lasted over two hours, has sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the future of diversity and inclusion at one of the nation’s most prestigious military colleges. The board did not provide an official reason for their choice, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind this move. General Wins, a VMI alumnus and a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Army, has been a key figure in efforts to modernize the institution and address long-standing issues of racism and sexism on campus. His departure marks a significant turning point for VMI, which has historically been steeped in tradition and martial values.
General Wins’ Leadership and Reforms
Since taking over as superintendent in 2021, General Wins has been a driving force for change at VMI. One of his most notable actions was the removal of the statue of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, a Confederate general and former VMI instructor, from a prominent location on campus. This decision was met with both support and resistance, reflecting the broader tensions over how to address the institution’s complicated history. General Wins also spearheaded initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion, following a 2020 investigation by The Washington Post that exposed a culture of “relentless racism” experienced by Black cadets. These efforts included measures to recruit more diverse faculty and students, as well as programs aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment.
Opposition and Controversy
The decision to let General Wins go comes amid years of pushback from conservative alumni who have criticized his efforts as “woke” and overly progressive. A group called the Spirit of VMI has been particularly vocal in its opposition, framing General Wins’ reforms as an attack on the school’s traditions and values. The controversy has also taken on a racial dimension, with some accusing the board of visitors of harboring biases. State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy, a Black VMI alumna, alleged that the board’s president, John Adams, told her that the board no longer wanted a Black superintendent. Adams has denied this claim through a spokesman. The vote to not extend General Wins’ contract was split, with 10 members voting against and 6 in favor, suggesting deep divisions within the board.
Racial and Political Undertones
The debate over General Wins’ future at VMI has been further complicated by its racial and political dimensions. The decision has drawn criticism from prominent Democrats, including former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, who called the move part of a troubling trend of purging patriotic military leaders. Northam’s comments appeared to draw a parallel with the recent ouster of General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during the Trump administration. On the other hand, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has appointed a majority of the board members since taking office in 2022, has not publicly commented on the decision. However, the rejection of two of his appointees by Democratic state senators earlier this year highlights the partisan tensions surrounding the board’s composition.
Alumni and Political Divides
The controversy at VMI reflects broader tensions within the alumni community and the political landscape of Virginia. While some graduates have rallied around General Wins, praising his efforts to bring much-needed change to the institution, others have sharply criticized what they see as an overreach in promoting diversity and inclusion. These divisions have been exacerbated by the increasingly partisan nature of governance in the state, with Governor Youngkin’s appointments to the board of visitors drawing scrutiny from Democrats. The rejection of two of his nominees by state senators underscores the challenges of balancing political influence with the need for independent governance at the institution.
Reactions and the Road Ahead
As news of the board’s decision broke, reactions poured in from across the state and beyond. Supporters of General Wins expressed disappointment and outrage, seeing his departure as a step backward for an institution that has only recently begun to confront its troubled history. Critics, on the other hand, framed the decision as a necessary step to preserve VMI’s traditions and values. General Wins, whose contract is set to expire on June 30, has not yet publicly commented on the decision, leaving many to wonder about his next steps. For VMI, the path forward remains uncertain, with many questions about how the institution will address issues of diversity and inclusion in the years to come. As the debate over General Wins’ legacy continues, one thing is clear: his time at VMI has left an indelible mark on the institution, and the consequences of his departure will resonate far beyond the campus in Lexington, Virginia.
