the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA
Jonathan Myrick Daniels, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Class of 1961, was born on March 20, 1939 in Keene, New Hampshire – eighty-six years ago today. He was the valedictorian of his graduating class. In his valedictorian speech, he ended by saying, “I wish you the decency and nobility of which you are capable.” This ultimately remains a challenge to us all no matter our faith, school, or political party. We need more decency and nobility right now in our nation.
Living this ideal out, Jonathan ultimately joined the ranks of those fighting for Civil Rights while an Episcopal seminarian. He was subsequently killed sacrificing his own life to protect Ruby Sales, an African American teen at the time. He was shot by an off duty, part time sheriff’s deputy, a member of the KKK, in Hayneville, Alabama (“Bloody Lowndes County”) on August 20, 1965. Upon learning of Daniels’ murder, Martin Luther King Jr. stated that “one of the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry was performed by Jonathan Daniels.” In 1991, Jonathan was also designated as a martyr on the Episcopal Church’s liturgical calendar.
Recently, the first African American Superintendent of VMI, Major General Cedric T. Wins, did not have his contract renewed. He and many others think it is ultimately related to bias and racism, a hatred of DEI, and other political factors rather than his job performance as evident across multiple measures. Some concerned alumni started an online open letter to the VMI Board of Visitors demanding some transparency and accountability.
The letter can be signed by VMI alumni and any friends of (persons concerned about) VMI. If you’d like to sign it or read more about this effort, visit In Alma Mater’ Name. In Alma Mater’s Name is a nonpartisan, non-political community dedicated to preserving the traditions, values, and excellence of the Virginia Military Institute. At their site, one can read the open letter, see the signers, sign it yourself, and learn about or track this issue through their page. As of now, there are over 1000 signatories to the open letter. In a sense, the letter questions the decency and nobility of the board’s decision.
I first learned of Jonathan Daniels when a cadet at VMI (1982-1986). I would occasionally study in the English majors library, “the Daniels’ Den,” in Scott Shipp Hall (the liberal arts building). He would in time become an inspiration for my own path. I have reason to suspect what happened to General Wins was not ultimately the “decent” thing to do. I, too, believe his tenure was likely conflated with hatred of the reported excesses that can come with DEI or any modern political agenda – at least in some people’s minds. For example, I saw that one alumnus posted on social media that General Wins himself was a DEI hire. Others joked openly of his tenure’s demise. I find this kind of talk an insult to his reputation, honor, and all that he accomplished in the United States Army. I admire the many challenges he overcame while serving at VMI. I suspect but cannot know that he faced harsher words in his tenure from some alumni or citizens of Virginia upset over DEI, Confederate iconography being removed, and pandemic policies, all a reflection of our brokenness in society today.
I know of General Wins from my time at VMI as a fellow cadet. He seems a decent, capable, intelligent human being deserving more respect even if one disagrees with any policies or actions. I recall that alumni widely posted their pride and high hopes as he was appointed. The General did what he was asked by the Governor (a Democrat at the time and an alumnus), and the General performed well despite the pandemic and lots of anger generated as he sought to make VMI more welcoming to all. Some vocal alumni seemed to argue nothing was amiss. They grew angrier with every change. Acclaim from some turned to open derision. Sadly, this politicization of education, stated General Wins in a recent Roanoke Times article, has pitted cadets, staff, and alumni against one another “creating a toxic organizational culture.” This hurts everyone.
The Board of Visitors’ vote to decline offering a contract reportedly reflected the preponderance of board members appointed by Governor Youngkin (R), some added just before the vote. (I’ve read that two of his appointees voted in favor of extending a contract.) That the vote occurred as Black History Month ended seems a bit tone deaf and insensitive on its face. As already considered among the most expensive colleges per student in Virginia, one can probably expect Democrats in the House of Delegates to respond negatively as others suggest. I’d suspect some young women and minority prospects might opt to apply elsewhere in this uncertain and contentious environment. Certainly, if anecdotally, it seems many outside of the VMI community are judging VMI harshly for this move from what I see on social media and in news reports. Based on what I know from my relationship with VMI, a response is likely warranted especially if more positive change is to come. Yet, don’t be surprised if some argue to close the school. That’s come up in the past as far back as the 1920s for varied reasons.
Supporters of VMI often claim, “VMI is good.” Certainly, it was very good for me. I still recommend the school almost forty years after graduation. There are many great, generous and loving leaders that were molded at VMI now serving in all walks of life. Yet as a First Class Cadet (Senior), I had to stop a Third Class Cadet (Sophomore) from passing around virulent anti-Roman Catholic tracks and comic books. (I was Roman Catholic at the time and President of the Newman Club as well as President of the interfaith Religious Council.) It was out of ignorance, and he repented. I forgave him, and we moved on.
In town, the KKK posted flyers against minorities while I was a cadet. Their wild accusations against others included Roman Catholics. (Among the more ludicrous claims was that the Pope was plotting to take over the post office.) I also overheard upperclassmen jokingly talking about Roman Catholics as “Fish Eaters” while a cadet. I never heard that before or since, but I interpreted it as idiotic bias. I heard people openly and often say Roman Catholics were not Christians. I had Jewish cadets share similar frustrations. They felt uncomfortable and misunderstood in the very overtly Evangelical and often pushy conservative Christian culture present at VMI at the time. Intentionally or not, the welcome mat didn’t always seem out. I have other stories too from my time as a cadet. (As a graduate, I have heard other more recent concerns, but only second hand. These Jewish cadets – now alumni – would have to come forward to share their stories, but I was told that they hesitated out of fear of repercussions.)
I want to note that the chaplain at the time, Col, Charles Caudill, worked hard to address such issues – to build both understanding and community. The chaplain office’s Religious Council actively sought out diverse membership under his watch. I always trusted I could go to him to talk honestly about life in the Corps, even when we disagreed over things at times, and the Religious Council ultimately brought cadets of diverse faith together to help facilitate all religious life. Many members also became my friends.
Unfortunately outside of religious bias, I’m also aware of a few felonies (properly adjudicated thankfully) being committed by cadets on occasion – some very serious. I know some later female graduates who have claimed to experience bias and overt abuse. And, also since my cadetship, I’ve heard alumni concerned at times that the Honor Court might be unfairly targeting people – often athletes and thus often minorities. A report suggested just that in 2021. Then within its adversative system, one which helped me grow as a leader, there’s always a tension over what is placing pressure on cadets to push to their limits often while under great stress and what is hazing. It was debated then, and I expect it is debated now. Even the modern US military struggles with this issue, so I don’t think that’s a surprise. Although, I hear there are many more controls, limitations, and safety protocols in place today at VMI to make what’s called the Rat Line safer. (It’s also a shorter duration than when I was a cadet.)
My African American peers never spoke to me about racism and bias when I was a cadet at VMI (no real surprise considering the culture of the time), but some have been more willing to talk in recent years. If they say they faced discomfort, a lack of welcoming, or more overt negative treatment, I’m going to listen to them; not deny everything off the cuff. These are people I respect and trust. I have no reason to doubt them. I’d encourage other alumni to speak to past minority and female cadets that they know. I suspect some people might now share stories.
Certainly, most minority cadets of my time were not keen on saluting Jackson’s statue, a requirement for new cadets at the time. Many likely bristled to answer the common question asked of first year students called Rats, “Who won the Civil War?” The demanded answer was, “VMI with the help of the South.” My First Class mentor when I was a Rat, also from Massachusetts, insisted instead that I answer, “The United States of America, Sir.” That earned me a lot of push ups, but I wouldn’t call my treatment abusive. It was annoying though. How much more annoying for my minority classmates? Only they can say or truly know. I never shared that experience or context as a white cadet.
So, although I usually prefer writing my own advocacy letters, and I’ve only signed one other group letter before (with other Richmond pastors against racism as self-identified KKK, Proud Boys, and Neo-Confederate members began to make appearances as the Robert E. Lee statue’s future was debated), I’ve signed the letter mentioned above. I expect some of my classmates and VMI contemporaries might not fully understand why.
Yes, VMI is much more good than bad. It’s the same school that nurtured George C. Marshall and Jonathan Daniels for a start. (I’ve not sought to share that much longer, more comprehensive, positive history here. There are many sources you can find for yourself if interested.) Yet, it’s always been a school comprised of imperfect humans – some very imperfect. There have been bad things that have happened and still likely could happen as on any campus. Yet this all leads me to say, “VMI is good, but it always can be better. So can I. So can we all.” Recognizing VMI has growing edges is not a betrayal of the school or its alumni. In fact, I am writing this blog post because I care about its cadets, faculty and staff, and all its alumni, along with its ongoing legacy.
If I had more influence, I’d like to see more interpretive signage across campus and cadet led history projects (perhaps even a podcast) on the past wrongs at VMI just like Mount Vernon has done – particularly on slavery, the context and VMI’s part defending that horror. I’d like to see more focus on women’s rights and other hot button issues, not to indoctrinate, but so that cadets can learn to agree or disagree on sound principles rather than assumptions or feelings. I’d like more history and ethics courses wrestling with these issues and to provide cadets with the broadest experiences possible across genders, cultures, and religions affiliations, and yes, that means humanist secularism too. They would be better able to engage with the world with more decency, empathy, and compassion. I suspect they would prove wiser too. One can be book smart yet very unwise.
The Institute seems much better in academics, military training, studying abroad, and in addressing such tender subjects as above than when I was there. Our culture as a whole in the US has improved in its treatment of racial, ethnic or religious minorities, women, and others, although it might not always feel like it. (This is supported by many research markers, but sadly, this, too could be regressing.) Yet many of the recent improvements at VMI have been because of the influence of General Wins along with dedicated faculty and staff who want cadets ready for a multicultural world. I’d hate to see VMI move backwards. So, if not DEI, what other efforts can be made? We shouldn’t be afraid to say that it’s not a perfect place.
My signature on the open letter only represents me, no other organization, nonprofit, or my congregation. Yet, I think transparency and accountability is not a big or controversial ask. I remain hopeful VMI will continue to evolve and excel. Even with all I’ve shared above, again, I know there’s much more good. I can honestly sing with other alumni the old school song ending, “God bless our team and VMI.” I’m hoping and praying that we all are always capable of greater decency and nobility by God’s help.
© 2025 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.
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