The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) unequivocally supports the continued service of Major General Cedric Wins as superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute. Major General Wins has provided exceptional leadership, successfully guiding VMI through unprecedented challenges over the past few years. As VMI’s first Black superintendent, he has confronted systemic racism within the institution while facing an onslaught of criticism solely based on his recognition that change was required. His leadership has been pivotal in initiating much-needed change at VMI, yet he faces resistance from those unwilling to acknowledge the realities of discrimination.
Governor Youngkin’s tactics raise serious concerns about the future of competent leadership and diversity at VMI. We commend Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy, a VMI alum, for sharing her insights into VMI’s culture. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the integrity of our educational institutions over political maneuvering. VMI has made substantial progress in its diversity and inclusivity since the graduation in 1972 of Harry Gore, Adam Randolph, Dick Valentine, Phil Wilkerson, and Larry Foster, the first African American cadets to attend and graduate. Major General Wins is the right person, for these times, to continue that progress.