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Heated testimony as subcommittee considers VMI governance bill; panel pauses for further talks
Summary
House Bill 13 74, which would change governance of the Virginia Military Institute, drew extensive in‑room and virtual testimony both for and against; after hours of comment the subcommittee passed a motion to 'pass by for the day' to allow further consultation rather than advancing the measure immediately.
Delegate Fagan presented House Bill 13 74 as a governance change intended to strengthen oversight and accountability at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). She said structural change to the board of visitors is needed so the institution can "move unfettered by the ghosts of the past" and to end narratives that constrain the institution’s future. "VMI's history is real. It should not be erased, but it must be understood in full context," Fagan said.
The hearing drew robust opposition from alumni, parents, cadets and local elected officials who warned the bill would harm VMI’s mission and identity. Lt. Gen. Dave Furness, VMI superintendent, told the panel he supports the bill's intent to encourage reporting and said VMI had not used a previously granted exception; he did not want to block reporting on assault or harassment. Opponents argued VMI’s unique military mission and high graduation and retention metrics make a governance merger or removal of the board inappropriate. The NAACP youth and college division and other speakers cited past governance failures and urged change. With time limited for testimony, the subcommittee ultimately voted to pass the bill by for the day to allow further outreach, saying the patron and members would continue discussions before the next committee meeting.
