Racial, Gender Inequities Troublesome At VMI: Investigation

RICHMOND, VA — An independent review of Virginia Military Institute characterizes the historic institution of higher education as a place where racial and gender disparities exist and as a place “run by white men for white men". An investigation also determined that VMI's unwillingness to change practices has led to sustained systems that disadvantage minority and female cadets and faculty.

The review, which was ordered by Gov. Ralph Northam and legislative leaders to investigate equity on campus, was released on Tuesday. The report, which was released by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, concludes the five-month probe into life at VMI, which turned up several disturbing trends surrounding campus culture that are often not dealt with by the school's leadership, the investigation determined.

The report indicated that VMI is a place where institutional racism and sexism are present, tolerated and too often, left unaddressed, according to a news release issued by Northam’s office on Tuesday.

The 143-page report paints VMI as a place where the Honor Code is relied upon to monitor cadet behavior, but that instances of racism and sexism are often ignored. The study concluded that if sweeping changes are not made to improve the culture at VMI, the school will remain one for white men.

The study indicated that 42 percent of African American cadets that responded indicated that African Americans are discriminated against “a lot” compared to only 4 percent of white cadets who feel that way. Half of African American cadets believe it is difficult for people of color to succeed at the school – a sentiment that only 5 percent of white cadets agreed with.

The study concluded that VMI is a place where racial jokes and slurs are not uncommon and that that comments add to an environment of hostility toward minorities regardless of where they are directed, the report indicated. The school also “lags behind” other higher education institutions and military academies in diversity efforts and race and gender metrics.

One of the strongest opinions among study participants, especially those of whom are white, is that there is not a race problem, but instead, a “problem with a divide between athletes and non-athletes.”

In terms of the Honor Code, most proceedings were deemed to be fair when looked at in isolation. However, analysis of the 91 cases that resulted in a conviction over the past 10 years shows that while only 23 percent of the corps is made up of cadets of color, the same cadets make up 41 percent of those dismissed by the school since 2011.

Sexual assault also remains prevalent at VMI, the investigation found and yet, it is “inadequately addressed” by the institution. The report stated that 14 percent of female cadets reported being sexually assaulted while 63 percent said that a fellow cadet had told them that he or she was a victim of sexual assault while they were enrolled at the school.

“Many female cadets reported a consistent fear of assault or harassment by their fellow male cadets,” the investigation found. “These fears are exacerbated by some procedures at VMI, including the inability to lock their doors. Many female cadets also feel that assault complaints are not or will not be taken seriously by the VMI administration or that a cadet will suffer retaliatory consequences for reporting them.”

In a joint statement issued Tuesday, Northam along with other legislative leaders including Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, Attorney General Mark Herring, Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn, Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Lamont Bagby, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee Luke Torian, Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, and Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke called for more accountability for the state-supported institution.

“The investigation found that institutional racism and sexism are present, tolerated, and too often left unaddressed," the statement reads. "While VMI has taken incremental steps forward since this review began, much more is needed. The question is whether VMI is willing to acknowledge this reality.

“The Commonwealth will study this report carefully and then take appropriate action. VMI would be wise to do so as well. VMI is an agency of state government, and we will hold it accountable.”