DEI-charged claims fly over contract talks for military school’s leader as lawmaker demands ethics probe

Virginia Democratic lawmakers are voicing concerns over the potential non-extension of Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins’ contract as the superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The lawmakers are raising racially tinged issues, suggesting that the VMI board may decide against offering Wins a comprehensive contract extension.

The controversy came to light when Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., a board member at VMI, revealed that at least one member of the Virginia legislature had expressed concerns about the contract extension for Wins and had brought race into the situation. Cline wrote a letter to the clerks of the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate, calling for an ethics investigation into Sen. Jennifer Carroll-Foy, who reportedly warned a VMI board member of state funding repercussions if Wins’ contract is not renewed properly.

Carroll-Foy, a VMI graduate, allegedly stated, “Cedric is African American. The leadership of the General Assembly is African American. Your board appointments and budget amendments are in peril. You can fix this by giving Cedric a four-year contract extension.” This statement raised concerns among lawmakers, including Cline, who deemed it inappropriate and ethically questionable.

The involvement of race and DEI considerations in the contract debate has sparked controversy. Cline’s office stated that attempts to pressure VMI board members by withholding funding reveal an effort to exert undue influence over VMI’s governance. The congressman emphasized that such actions are an abuse of power and go against the values of the nation.

Although Virginia House Speaker Don Scott and Senate Leader L. Louise Lucas, both Black leaders, support Wins’ contract extension, the debate is focused on the direction of the school rather than Wins’ contract. Current Governor Glenn Youngkin, who faced opposition to his board appointments, expressed confidence in the VMI board and its decision-making process.

VMI, founded in 1839, is the oldest state military institution in the country, with a rich history that includes notable alumni like Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, Fred Willard, George Marshall, and Gen. George Patton. The controversy surrounding Wins’ contract extension underscores the complexities of race, governance, and accountability in Virginia’s educational institutions.