Rockbridge County unanimously opposes two House bills targeting Virginia Military Institute

The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution Feb. 9 expressing opposition to House Bills 1374 and 1377, legislation that would restructure governance at the Virginia Military Institute and authorize a task force to review the institute’s mission and operations.

The resolution, read into the record by county staff, says the board recognizes VMI’s founding role and its economic, cultural and historic importance to Rockbridge County and asks the Virginia General Assembly to consider local impacts before altering governance. The motion to adopt the resolution passed on a unanimous roll call.

The vote followed an extended public-comment period in which multiple residents urged supervisors to support VMI. Morgan McCown told the board, “Rockbridge County is not disposable land,” and warned that policy changes could erode farms, small businesses and the county’s character. Colonel (ret.) Bob Morris, president of the Cadet Foundation, cited excerpts from the Barnes & Thornburg report and urged local officials not to be drawn into a politically motivated legislative effort. He said, “These allegations address federal statutes,” and argued local bodies should not substitute for federal or legislative processes.

Supervisor Hart and others described personal ties to the institute and emphasized VMI’s regional economic impact. County staff said the resolution would be transmitted to the county’s legislative delegation and other state officials.

The board’s public record includes letters and emails largely supportive of the resolution; the chair said he had not observed substantial written opposition on file. The resolution was adopted Feb. 9 and will be forwarded to the county’s legislative contacts as requested.