Commentary: The Cadet Foundation, Jefferson Council, and Generals Redoubt Collaborate to Call for an Investigation into Political Intimidation and Free Speech Repression at Virginia Military Institute,Promoting a Safe and Supportive Community for All

The Cadet Foundation, in partnership with Alumni Free Speech Alliance members the Jefferson Council for the University of Virginia and The Generals Redoubt for Washington and Lee University, is deeply concerned about recent actions by members of the Virginia House and Senate. These actions, which aim to pressure the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Board of Visitors into awarding Superintendent Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins a new four-year contract despite allegations of impropriety, warrant an independent investigation.

As members of the Alumni Free Speech Alliance, our organizations have previously raised concerns regarding the suppression of free speech and intimidation of dissenting voices within VMI's leadership. These concerns were formally presented to the Secretary of Education and the VMI Board of Visitors but were regrettably dismissed without sufficient action. 

Recent reports indicate that members of the Virginia Senate and House of Representatives have attempted to coerce the VMI Board of Visitors into extending Maj. Gen. Wins' contract by threatening to withhold funding. This behavior, as highlighted by Congressman Ben Cline, undermines VMI's institutional integrity and jeopardizes the well-being of cadets.

Of particular concern are the repeated attempts at censorship against The Cadet, VMI's independent student newspaper, as documented by warning letters from organizations such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and the Student Press Law Center. Despite these warnings, VMI's administration has continued to take retaliatory action against cadets, including issuing a memorandum designed to isolate them from external supporters.

The Virginia Senate's recent rejection of six highly qualified gubernatorial appointees to the VMI Board of Visitors raises concerns about potential political interference in the governance of these institutions. The exclusion of distinguished leaders committed to transparency and institutional integrity raises serious ethical questions.

Furthermore, the VMI Administration's alleged defiance of Presidential Executive Orders and Department of Defense Directives on DEI, particularly their reported use of "military duty" to compel Cadet attendance at events including DEI training, warrants scrutiny.

We strongly condemn any attempts by members of the House and Senate to influence the VMI Superintendent's contract renewal based solely on race. Such actions constitute a blatant disregard for merit and fairness.

We echo Congressman Cline's call for an immediate ethics investigation into allegations of political coercion and threats to withhold funding related to the VMI Superintendent's contract. We urge the Virginia House and Senate Standards of Conduct Subcommittees and the Virginia Attorney General's Office to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these matters. Those found responsible for misconduct should face appropriate consequences.

The Cadet Foundation, TJC, and TGR remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding free expression, institutional independence, and the well-being of cadets who have been subjected to an environment of fear and retaliation.

The institution is at a critical juncture, and it is imperative that the Board of Visitors is able to make courageous and independent decisions, free from political interference. Failure to do so will undermine the core values of honor, integrity, and service that VMI seeks to instill in its cadets. 

The Cadet Foundation, TJC, and TJR urge all VMI alumni, supporters, and concerned citizens to contact their legislators and demand accountability. We must stand up for the principles upon which VMI was founded. The time for action is now. 

The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is facing a crucial moment. It is imperative that the Board of Visitors makes independent decisions, free from political influence, to uphold the institution's core values of honor, integrity, and service. Failure to do so will have a detrimental impact on the VMI cadets and the institution's reputation.

For further information regarding VMI and The Cadet Newspaper, please visit The Cadet Foundation's website at www.thecadetfoundation.org or The Cadet Newspaper at [www.cadetnewspaper.com](https://www.cadetnewspaper.com).