Chair’s panel reports substitute for VMI task force after contested testimony

The Rules subcommittee on studies reported a substitute for HB 1377, a bill to establish a bipartisan task force to examine whether the Virginia Military Institute should continue to operate as a state‑sponsored public institution.

Lieutenant General David Furness, superintendent of VMI, testified in opposition and defended the institute’s record and recent reforms, saying many of the equity audit’s recommendations have been implemented or are in progress. Furness argued VMI’s leadership model, honor system and educational outcomes distinguish the institution.

Jeremiah Woods, an online witness and former cadet, testified that he experienced racial targeting during his time at VMI and said the school had not fully implemented memorials and scholarships required by law to acknowledge enslaved people associated with the institute. Woods described specific incidents he said demonstrated ongoing concerns about campus culture.

Committee members discussed both the testimony and the substitute’s scope. The substitute moves the review into legislative oversight and sets a reporting requirement; the committee reported the substitute on a 4‑1 vote.

Next steps: The substitute reported by the subcommittee directs legislative staff to convene the bipartisan task force and report back to the General Assembly per the substitute’s deadlines.