The Virginia Military Institute’s recent decision to not renew the contract of its first Black superintendent is being characterized by him as a result of bias, ideological conflicts, and politics overshadowing his actual job performance. Retired Army Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins, who has not spoken until now since the board’s decision, described the outcome as a partisan move that forsakes the fundamental values of honor, integrity, and excellence upon which VMI was established.
In his statement, Wins noted that only a handful of voices pushing back against change have managed to overpower those who aim to modernize the institute, a public college located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley that he graduated from in 1985.
Educational institutions nationwide, including colleges and schools, have begun scaling back diversity initiatives following threats from former President Donald Trump to eliminate federal funding from them. At VMI, an institution with a 189-year history and notable alumni like Generals George Patton and George Marshall, some alumni have opposed such changes for years.
Wins was appointed as superintendent in 2021, during which VMI was addressing a racial awakening and incorporating diversity initiatives. A state-sponsored report had previously criticized the institution for insufficient action on institutional racism and sexism. In response, Wins introduced several changes, including forming a committee dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The institute dismantled a significant statue of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson, a former VMI instructor. It introduced its first chief diversity officer role and developed a cultural awareness training program. Furthermore, it modified an honor court system that disproportionately expelled Black cadets. VMI had only started admitting African Americans in 1968 and women in 1997 after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. These reforms were seen by some alumni as essential for preparing cadets to face real-world challenges and aligning with contemporary U.S. military objectives.
Shah Rahman, a 1997 graduate, expressed optimism about the changes, highlighting Wins’ significance as a man of color attending VMI. However, some detractors labelled these reforms as “woke” or akin to “critical race theory.” A critical alumni group, The Spirit of VMI, argued that the diversity programs incited division and were aimed at coercing Americans into accepting the idea that white individuals are inherently racist.
These initiatives faced increasing resistance as the political environment evolved. For instance, VMI’s diversity office was renamed from DEI, aligning with Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office title, as mentioned in a report. Also, Youngkin’s chief diversity officer visited the campus in 2023, asserting that “DEI is dead.” The school’s chief diversity officer, an African American woman, eventually resigned.
VMI’s board recently voted 10 – 6 to not renew Wins’ contract, expressing gratitude for his leadership during challenging periods. Wins will continue in his role until June, after which he will step down. The board has chosen not to comment on Wins’ remarks.
In his commentary, Wins cautioned against a focus on the distant past for developing future leaders. He criticized the board’s decision, suggesting it subjects cadets to a politicized environment, jeopardizing VMI and the nation’s prospects.