The Cadet Organizes Diversity Equity and Inclusion Public Debate

Editors Note: In response to the growing controversy over Virginia Military Institute's mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training, The Cadet newspaper plans to sponsor a public debate regarding the DEI program at VMI. This debate intends to foster complete and open understanding regarding such an important issue. The Cadet was, is, and always will be an advocate for productive expression and free speech. In this regard, The Cadet has contacted the Heritage Foundation with the intention of sending a representative for debate. They have already guaranteed a speaker to attend. We are still awaiting a response from the office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. The following invitation was sent to the VMI Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Jamica Love on March 30, 2022: If this is an event you would like to attend, please express your interest or send any questions to editor@cadetnewspaper.org. Dear Dr. Love: Please accept this request to jointly host with us and the Heritage Foundation as well as provide a speaking representative for a debate before the VMI Corp on the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at VMI. We have tentatively arranged an educational scholar on the subject from a national organization, and ask that you or another scholar provide the argument for DEI at the event. We request the following: - A suitable on-post venue for the debate, such as Memorial Hall or The Center for Leadership and Ethics - Internet access for a livestream. We will provide the equipment at no cost to VMI. - Coordination with VMI debate team cadets and their advisors for format and moderation assistance. - Permission for The Cadet to work with the Corps of Cadets in developing questions for the debate. All questions can be provided in advance to both debate parties. - A prompt response, within five business days, with a proposed date, location, and speaker. If you prefer to keep your proposed speaker confidential, please confirm that you will provide a brief biography for the facilitators, in writing, on the night of the event. We suggest that the debate duration be two to three hours, and that the audience be restricted to the Corp, or the Corp and alumni. This is an opportunity to publicly examine the merits of DEI, and facilitate the free exchange of ideas and speech. We have tentatively requested and expect to receive co-sponsorships for the event from within the VMI community. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or other points of consideration. We look forward to your response and are continually available to work with you on this important event. The editorial staff of The Cadet under Cadets Mansfield and Curtis is the POC managing all actions with the Corps (Editor@cadetnewspaper.org). The POC, under direction of The Cadet editorial staff for coordination of speakers, format and event logistics is The Cadet Foundation through the secretary, Ms. Deborah Hansen (debora.hansen57@gmail.com) Very respectfully, The Cadet NewspaperThe Cadet Foundation The Cadet is moving forward with a permit request and coordination for a venue and speakers so the event can be conducted as a lecture with a Q&A should the DEI office and VMI decline to participate. The current plan is to conduct the debate or presentation before graduation this year.