While most of the VMI faculty, staff, and Board of Visitors’ efforts are focused on the upcoming start of the academic year which will see a return to more normal enrollment levels for incoming rats, serious questions and allegations have been raised surrounding The Cadet newspaper.

The current iteration of The Cadet newspaper was formed by an alumnus in 2021 through The Cadet Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 organization that is completely independent from VMI. Its editors and writers include several current members of the Corps of Cadets. The historic iteration of The Cadet newspaper published by the VMI Publications Board ceased to exist in 2016. In their short existence, The Cadet newspaper has received several awards from the Virginia Press Association for its work which is one of the things that has drawn recent attention.

Given the recent focus on the newspaper and the allegations regarding actions by the Institute and Board of Visitors, I wanted to share a few thoughts:

• The Institute and Board of Visitors believes strongly in our first amendment right to free speech. We have, and will continue, to do everything possible to encourage the free expression of responsible, well-informed views whether we agree with those views or not. Our commitment here is unwavering. 
• The Institute and the Board of Visitors have a responsibility to assure that our actions are as open and transparent as appropriate. There is no intent to exclude any party from attending any public meetings of the board or its committees. There are, however, topics which are inappropriate for public discussion (i.e., personnel matters, legal topics, etc.). In addition, at times, we may choose to defer a discussion when it’s obvious more work is needed before discussing a topic further.
• Despite references to the contrary, I have not yet seen any indications that the administration is intentionally engaged in proactively sharing information with individuals or news organizations to lead them to a particular story line, something implied by a petition being circulated in social media. As a state institution, we have legal requirements to make available certain information when requested, as VMI has done many times for The Cadet newspaper. Most records in the possession of the Institute are subject to public inspection per the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and VMI seeks to closely adhere to those legal requirements. Given the volume of requests and their complexity, it’s been a challenge to fulfill the requests we’ve received, but our intentions are always to do so in a timely and accurate manner.
• Since allegations have been made regarding the Institute and board’s role in some of the recent activities surrounding The Cadet newspaper, I have asked the assistant attorney general assigned to VMI by the state’s Attorney General to look into these matters and report back to the full Board of Visitors during the closed session at the September board meeting. With this information in hand, the Institute and the board will be able to better determine what, if any, additional actions may be required.

I’m very sorry that there continues to be attention being drawn away from the many good things happening at the Institute. VMI has a long history of producing leaders of character across all walks of life and proudly stands as one of this country’s leading institutions. Maintaining this reputation and tradition is something that guides us each day.

Thank you for your continued interest in our very special school.

Regards,

Tom Watjen ‘76
President, VMI Board of Visitors

Aug. 16, 2023 UPDATE

A Message from the VMI Board of Visitors President

As you saw in my note to you dated Aug. 7, 2023, with the allegations that had been made regarding the Institute and board's role in some of the recent activities surrounding The Cadet newspaper, I had asked the assistant attorney general assigned to VMI by the state's Attorney General to look into these matters.

After further consideration, we have chosen to handle this matter in the normal course of business, and I am discussing with Maj. Gen. Wins his plans for doing so.

As I've said many times, we need to put this behind us so the focus may be squarely on the Institute and its role in developing the leaders of the future.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Regards,

Tom Watjen ‘76
President, VMI Board of Visitors