House creates VMI task force to review response to 2021 findings; supporters and local delegates urge collaboration

House Bill 1377 (recorded in the transcript as "House Bill 13 77") was discussed on Jan. 30, 2026, to create an advisory task force that will review the Virginia Military Institute's progress on recommendations from a 2021 report and on steps taken to distance the institute from Confederate commemoration.

Delegate Jennifer Helmer (patron) told the chamber the task force is intended to ensure VMI has implemented recommended reforms after a 2021 review found instances of sexism, racism and sexual assault. "All this does is build a task force and a report to make sure that we have taken adequate action," Helmer said. She noted specific enduring practices at VMI and argued the task force would help the public and the institution continue progress.

Delegates representing VMI's community emphasized the institute's long history and contributions. In floor remarks, Delegate Austin (member representing the VMI district) acknowledged problems but urged cooperation: he described VMI as an integral community institution and said he stood "ready and willing to work with anyone to make VMI a better institution." The measure was agreed to on the floor and moved to third reading as recorded in the transcript.

Why it matters: VMI is a public, state‑funded institution; a task force that reviews past findings and reports back carries reputational and policy implications for how the institute addresses campus climate, symbolism and historic commemoration.

Next steps: The task force will prepare the report as directed in the bill language; the bill was advanced on the calendar to third reading for further action.