Several dozen alumni, former board members and cadets used the Board of Visitors' allotted public-comment period on May 1 to press the board on leadership, transparency and the institute's culture following the decision not to extend the superintendent's contract.

Speakers who identified themselves as alumni or former board members described a mix of sentiments. Some urged transparency and continued engagement between alumni and the board; others criticized the board's handling of the superintendent's tenure and alleged that decisions were made without fair consideration. One former board member said he believed the superintendent was denied a fair opportunity for renewal. Several alumni mentioned packets of confidential materials they had sent to the board and asked that the board review those items in private as part of its deliberations.

Other commenters addressed issues of diversity and inclusion. One alumnus characterized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as politically motivated and argued they should be removed from institute practice; others, including cadets who spoke later in the meeting, described VMI as an inclusive place and urged the board to preserve an inclusive culture for current and future cadets. Cadets who spoke praised access to academic, athletic and leadership opportunities and urged continued focus on the corps' experience.

Speakers and themes
- Alumni and former board members (multiple speakers, identified by name and class year in materials) urged the board to consider alumni-supplied proposals and to maintain transparent dialogue with stakeholders.
- Several alumni criticized the decision not to renew the superintendent's contract, with at least one former board member saying the superintendent had been "cast" and given little chance of retention.
- Some speakers argued that DEI initiatives represented a form of racial preference and should be removed; other speakers, including cadets, described the institute as inclusive and emphasized the importance of preserving the current campus culture.
- Multiple cadets, including elected cadet leaders, described student-facing efforts: the honor court reported expanded jury training and mock trials to educate the corps; rising regimental and honor-court officers outlined leadership and conduct priorities going into the next academic year.

Meeting context and what was requested
Public commenters asked the board for continued outreach to alumni and for consideration of alumni proposals, including recruitment strategies, cost-savings ideas, and initiatives to amplify admissions. Several speakers referenced confidential packets sent to the board that they asked the board to review in private. Cadets asked for representation in deliberations that will affect cadet life and proposed establishment of a representative liaison committee to give the corps a formal voice on key decisions.

The board thanked speakers and said it would take the comments into account; no formal board action was taken during the public-comment period.