2026 SESSION

HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

26110335D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1377

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the Governor

on April 13, 2026)

(Patron Prior to Substitute—Delegate Helmer)

A BILL to direct the Virginia Military Institute's Board of Visitors to examine certain aspects of higher education at the Virginia Military Institute; report.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Board of Visitors (the Board) is directed to examine and determine VMI's responsiveness to the recommendations provided in the 2021 special investigative report commissioned by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The Board shall further explore and recommend other changes that should be made by VMI to distance itself from the Lost Cause narrative, foster an inclusive environment, and address any other concerns raised by the Board.

§ 2. In conducting its work, the Board shall:

1. Audit actions taken by the leadership of VMI following the release of the 2021 special investigative report to SCHEV;

2. Analyze admissions data for each year of incoming students beginning in 2021 to determine if VMI has been successful in recruiting and admitting a more diverse body of students and if admissions priorities have shifted away from a focus on students with legacy status or other alumni relatives; and

3. Based on such audit and analyses, provide recommendations for any actions that should be undertaken by VMI as a state-sponsored institution of higher education, and any recommendations for legislation or amendments to the state budget, to ensure that VMI meets the higher education needs of the Commonwealth.

§ 3. The Board shall be authorized to explore any other questions or concerns about VMI that may arise and shall include any such questions or concerns, and the resulting investigations, analyses, and recommendations resulting from or addressing such questions or concerns, in its final report.

§ 4. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, current and former members of the Board and all current and former leadership, administrators, and educators of VMI shall make available all documents or records, including working papers or related unofficial communications, upon request by the Board. The Board shall be permitted to conduct interviews of enrolled or former students and any individuals currently providing education instruction, serving in an administrative role, serving in a leadership role, or serving on the Board, or any individuals otherwise currently employed at VMI, and any individuals who previously provided such instruction, served in such roles, or were otherwise previously employed at VMI, and such individuals shall make themselves available for interview upon request of the Board.

§ 5. The Board shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations.