Virginia House reviews bills impacting VMI

(The Center Square) – Three proposals now before the Virginia House of Delegates would alter governance, oversight, and disciplinary policy at the Virginia Military Institute.

The proposals follow continued legislative attention on VMI after a 2021 state-commissioned investigation.

VMI is a four-year, state-supported military college founded in 1839. It operates under a military-style academic system and is currently governed by a Board of Visitors appointed by the governor.

House Bill 1374 would repeal the law establishing VMI’s independent Board of Visitors and transfer governance authority to the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University. If enacted, the bill would change who oversees VMI’s operations and institutional direction. The proposal does not close VMI or remove its status as a public institution.

The bill was introduced Jan. 20 and was heard in a House Education subcommittee on Monday. No vote was taken, and the measure was carried over for further consideration. As of Tuesday, it remains in committee.<...