Virginia State University could take control of the Virginia Military Institute

Virginia State University could gain control Virginia Military Institute, according to the newly introduced bill. House Bill 1374, introduced by Michael B. Fegans, aims to disband the current Board of Visitors for VMI and place it under the current Virginia State Board of Visitors. Virginia Military Institute, a predominantly white institution (VMI) founded in 1839, educates over 1,500 students. If the bill passes and is signed, the Institute would fall under the administration of the state of Virginia 17-member board of visitors.

According to comments obtained by Cardinal News, Feggans spoke about his proposed legislation, saying, “The legislation reflects broader, long-standing concerns about whether VMI’s current governance structure meets the standards the Commonwealth expects. When patterns of governance issues emerge, it is appropriate for the General Assembly to review and, if necessary, adapt the legislation and to ensure that the relevant public institution oversight structures… are overseen in a manner that reflects stability, accountability and sound judgment.”

The proposed legislation comes as the Virginia Military Institute faced allegations of racial discrimination. In a 2020 Washington Post report, black cadets at VMI detailed “relentless racism.” The allegations led to the resignation of the institute’s superintendent, retired Gen. JH Binford Peay III, who had held the role since 2003. The investigation concluded in 2021 found “widespread discrimination”, according to VAVI.

Fegan’s bill is the second to propose government action against the Virginia Military Institute. State Delegate Dan Helmer’s proposed legislation creates a task force to determine whether VMI should remain a state-sponsored institution.

Cardinal News received a statement from VMI spokeswoman Sherry Wallace in an email, stating, “We are reviewing all recently filed bills, including Del. Helmer’s, and plan to work with our elected officials to demonstrate VMI’s progress and value to the Commonwealth of Virginia… For more than 186 years, VMI has had an unparalleled service and track record. The citizen-soldiers the institute produces are the epitome of value, and we plan to continue to do so.” mission.”