Why the VMI Board of Visitors Remains Silent on Superintendent Controversy

On March 6, 2025, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Superintendent MG Cedric Wins '85 released a statement condemning the Board of Visitors' (BOV) decision not to extend his contract. He accused the Board of acting out of "bias, emotion, and ideology" rather than sound judgment, calling the decision "misfeasance." The statement ignited a national controversy, with media outlets, advocacy groups, and political figures weighing in, including former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and the National Association for the Achievement of Colored People (NAACP). Some critics accused the BOV of racial bias, a claim amplified by state legislators and the national press. However, MG Wins has not clarified whether he was referring to racial bias or other forms of prejudice. The Cadet investigated why the BOV has not publicly disclosed its reasoning in response to this growing debate. After reviewing state laws and BOV governance policies and consulting legal experts, we found that Virginia state laws and BOV bylaws prohibit the BOV from discussing the details of its decision. Virginia state law and BOV Bylaws require the BOV to keep specific discussions confidential, especially those related to personnel matters. Specifically: The BOV must conduct the superintendent's annual performance review in closed session, per BOV Bylaws, Section 3, Paragraph 2. Virginia Code § 2.2-3711.A.1 requires the Board to discuss personnel matters in closed session to protect individuals' privacy. The BOV must legally keep confidential discussions from closed sessions, per Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(B). Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) Policy 6.05 designates written performance evaluations as private records, preventing their release without the subject's consent. On February 28, 2025, the BOV held a special session to review MG Wins' contract. After meeting in closed session with legal counsel present, the Board reconvened and publicly voted not to renew his contract. The Board did not disclose any reasons, and members have yet to comment on the decision since. The law prohibits them from discussing what they spoke of in the closed session. While the BOV cannot disclose personal records, MG Wins can. Under DHRM Policy 6.05, he can release his performance evaluation and related documents. If he chooses to do so, the public would have insights into the Board's reasoning. To provide clarity, The Cadet has formally requested that MG Wins authorize the release of his performance records. As of this writing, we are awaiting a response. The BOV's silence has fueled speculation, leading to public protests, donor threats, and calls to cut state funding for VMI. Critics argue that the Board's refusal to explain its decision implies wrongdoing. However, the facts show that the Board complied and continues to comply with its legal obligations and restrictions. The controversy has also led to political division. State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy, a VMI graduate from the class of 2003, has called for an investigation into the BOV's actions, alleging a lack of transparency and political influence. Others have suggested that the Board preselected a replacement for MG Wins before voting on his contract. The BOV has not responded to these allegations due to the same legal constraints. Neither Senator Foy nor MG Wins produced evidence to support them. While the debate over MG Wins' contract continues, a straightforward way exists to resolve the issue. MG Wins can provide written consent to release his performance evaluation and the Board's documented reasoning if he chooses. Until then, the Corps, Alums, Faculty, and all concerned should not mistake the BOV's silence as an admission of guilt—it is simply the result of legal restrictions designed to protect personnel privacy. As The Cadet continues its investigation, we encourage all members of the VMI community to seek out verified information and avoid assumptions based on incomplete narratives. The future of VMI depends on informed, objective discourse, not political speculation. Did the Board of Visitors make the right decision not to renew MG Wins' contract? Take the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WINSALUM The Cadet remains true to its founding by cadets with alumni support in 1871 by remaining independent of VMI and the Alumni Agencies. Please help us remain so by donating to The Cadet Foundation at: https://thecadetfoundation.org/participate-and-support/