Speaker Don Scott and Governor Ralph Northam on VMI Board of Visitors’ Decision Not to Extend Superintendent Major General Cedric Wins’ Contract: “This decision…is not based on performance or character—it is purely political”

“This decision by the VMI Board is not based on performance or character—it is purely political,” said Speaker Don Scott. “Over the past week, we have witnessed a systemic purge of high-ranking military leaders, including the recent firing of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair CQ Brown. Major General Wins has served his country, the Commonwealth, and VMI with honor, and as its first Black superintendent, he took crucial steps to change the institution’s culture while maintaining its tradition of excellence. The Board’s decision is a clear signal that VMI is choosing to move in the wrong direction, caving to political pressures rather than continuing on the path of necessary reform. This is deeply disappointing, and it is time for a serious conversation about VMI’s commitment to progress and the Commonwealth.”

“Our country has purged too many patriotic military leaders this week, and now Virginia has done it too,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “These are dark times. Major General Cedric Wins is an accomplished leader who has given his life to serving our country, the Armed Forces, and the Virginia Military Institute. His steady leadership has made our Commonwealth stronger. VMI needs to take a hard look and ask, How long will we cling to the past? If the Institute wants to survive, it needs to start looking to the future. Time is running out.”