In Richmond, Virginia, Retired Army Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins is set to resign as the superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in June. This decision follows the board’s recent vote against renewing his contract.
The VMI Board of Visitors, consisting of members appointed by the governor, decided 10-6 in a private session not to renew Wins’ contract. Wins, who graduated from VMI in 1985 and served in the Army for over 30 years, has faced challenges at the institute as it strived to enhance diversity. His efforts met resistance from some conservative alumni.
John Adams, President of the Board, expressed gratitude for Wins’ service, acknowledging the challenges he faced and the foundation he laid for future leadership at the institute. VMI, established in 1839 in Lexington, Virginia, has a storied history, having educated military figures like Generals George Patton and George Marshall. Despite its historical significance, the college only began admitting African Americans in 1968 and women following a Supreme Court ruling in 1996. Wins became the first Black superintendent amid these evolving dynamics.
In 2021, VMI underwent a critical examination with a state-sanctioned report revealing issues of institutional racism and sexism. The report highlighted frequent racial slurs and jokes, a strong Civil War reverence, and racial disparities in the student-run honor court’s dismissals. Additionally, it noted problems with addressing sexual assault.
Wins emphasized that VMI had already been moving towards inclusivity. Initiatives included the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson and establishing a diversity-focused committee. The school also appointed its first chief diversity officer and initiated a cadet-led cultural awareness program. However, these changes sparked mixed reactions.
Alumnus Matt Daniel criticized the diversity training, claiming it initially fostered division, but noted improvements that focused on real-world social challenges. VMI also saw changes in leadership and terminology in its diversity department, aligning with the preferences of Virginia’s Republican Governor, Glenn Youngkin. A visit from the governor’s diversity officer further indicated shifts in approach.
The decision concerning Wins’ contract has stirred political debate. Democratic Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy alleged that the board aimed to replace Wins due to his race, triggering a response from Republican Representative Ben Cline. His letter accused Carroll Foy of pressuring board members concerning funding tied to Wins’ contract. Carroll Foy condemned the board’s move, labeling it as driven by political motives and unjustly characterizing Wins as a diversity hire, unrelated to his performance or merits.
