The rhetorical battle at the Virginia Military Institute rages like the Bloody Angle in the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. In this ongoing war of words, VMI Superintendent Cedric Wins is like the corps commander who wanders dangerously close to the battlefront. Rather than rely upon subalterns and proxies to speak for him, he has waded into the rhetorical fray.
Wins recently distributed a letter responding to the criticism of VMI’s decision to host LGBTQIA+ performance artist Kimberly Dark. He argued that VMI has invited speakers, including conservative Judge Michael Luttig, representing a range of views. Taking issue with “unhappy alumni” who protested Dark’s presence, he framed the voluntary event as an opportunity for cadets to “listen to a speaker, evaluate the soundness of her analysis, hit her with tough questions, and see how well-founded her beliefs are.”
Bacon’s Rebellion has been sympathetic to the “unhappy alumni” Wins referred to, but we think he makes some reasonable points. Accordingly, in the interest of open dialogue, we republish his full letter below. –JAB
From: VMI-Superintendent
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 09:10:43 AM EDT
Subject: Last night’s VMI speaker
Last night, VMI hosted a speaker on post whose very presence upset some in the VMI community calling the event “corrosive and divisive social indoctrination.” The speaker, Kimberly Dark, is a sociologist, author, and storyteller who has been invited to speak about body image, gender equity, and LGBTQIA+ issues. Dark’s talk last night was well-attended by cadets with several faculty and staff present as well. Attendance for cadets was completely voluntary.
Last night’s speaker is one of many that are scheduled. Some, such as our convocation speaker, Judge Michael Luttig, are mandatory for the Corps to attend. A number like the one last night are provided as topics of interest for cadets to attend at their discretion.
While I understand and appreciate those who are genuinely concerned about the curriculum, method of education, and various topics of learning that VMI cadets are exposed to both in and out of the classroom, time and time again, there has been a group of unhappy alumni who want to stoke the worst fears and sow seeds of discord about the training and education of students here. These unhappy alumni conduct themselves as if cadets can’t or won’t think for themselves, won’t challenge assumptions or ideas to gain a better understanding of new ideas or individuals with whom they disagree. They assume that many on our faculty and staff are a part of the conspiracy to alter VMI to an agenda counter to their own.
Take the case of Kimberly Dark. She’s been described as a national level speaker, who tackles tough topics with masterful storytelling and blends a pithy sense of humor. By her own words, the topic she intended to present at VMI was about issues concerning women and the LGBTQ+ cadets and how they struggle and are targeted for unfair treatment. What a wonderful opportunity to listen to a speaker, evaluate the soundness of her analysis, hit her with tough questions and see how well-founded her beliefs are. Instead, however, in an aim to project fear and concern, her topic is twisted into “targeted for unfair treatment at VMI” which in no way is she qualified to speak.
Critics called for executive and legislative leaders to put a stop to “social indoctrination” like Dark’s presentation. These are the same critics who just three weeks ago accused the Institute of infringing upon their free speech rights. Now they want to do the same to someone who has opinions different from their own.
From what I have heard, members of the Corps of Cadets and faculty and staff who attended the event listened attentively and engaged with the speaker in a manner that is becoming of the Virginia Military Institute. I suspect that not all who attended agreed with everything she had to say. But that’s alright. This is how critical thinking and civil discourse works.
VMI has a long history of providing a forum for many local, national, and world leaders and experts to share their thoughts and ideas on matters of public policy and social change. In a similar way, VMI has welcomed the likes of President George W. Bush, Rep. John Lewis, Vice President Mike Pence, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Their talks on post were not about conforming the Corps to their ideas but rather exposure to varied perspectives.
VMI will continue to provide an environment where cadets can hear varying perspectives on the important topics of the day. VMI is not about shielding cadets from difficult conversations and challenging experiences. This is about preparing graduates for the outside world. In every corner of our nation and commonwealth, organizations are working through these issues. We owe it to our graduates the opportunity to avail themselves on these topics, if they choose to attend.
Major General Cedric T. Wins ‘85
U.S. Army (Retired)
Superintendent
Virginia Military Institute
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