Virginia Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Racial Influence in VMI Contract Decision

In Virginia, some Democratic lawmakers are raising alarms that race is playing a role in the decision-making process regarding the contract extension for Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, the school’s first Black superintendent at the historic Virginia Military Institute. One board member of VMI reportedly mentioned that even a state legislator had raised racially charged concerns about not granting Wins a four-year contract extension. The issue was brought to light by Rep. Ben Cline, who expressed dismay at the use of race-related remarks and potential funding threats in a letter addressed to the clerks of both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate, calling for an ethics investigation into Sen. Jennifer Carroll-Foy.

The controversy centers on comments made by Carroll-Foy, who reportedly warned a board member that failure to extend Wins’ contract might result in repercussions concerning state funding, linking such a decision directly to race. As a VMI alumna, she argued that renewing the contract for Cedric Wins would not only help the institution but also honor the values of a General Assembly whose leadership includes prominent Black members. Rep. Cline criticized these actions as an abuse of power, stating that leveraging race and funding considerations to steer board decisions is both unethical and inconsistent with national values.

Other lawmakers have also reportedly linked considerations of race and diversity, equity, and inclusion to the debate over Wins’ contract, further complicating discussions. While leaders like Virginia House Speaker Don Scott and Senate Leader L. Louise Lucas, both from Portmouth and noted as influential Black figures, appear to support the extension, the issue has nonetheless highlighted deep divisions. Critics view the tactic of conditioning funding on a particular decision as a clear misuse of legislative authority, with Rep. Cline emphasizing that this approach exerts undue influence on decisions regarding VMI’s governance.

The debate remains part of a broader discussion about the direction in which VMI is headed. While some political figures, including former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder and Speaker Scott, support the extension of Wins’ contract, the issue is framed by some as being less about the contract itself and more about ensuring that VMI moves forward in a manner that aligns with contemporary values. Meanwhile, the current governor continues to back his appointed board members, standing firmly behind their decisions for the benefit of the institute and the Commonwealth.