I am writing to you as a concerned parent and proud supporter of our nation’s military traditions. My son is a 2nd cadet at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), the nation’s oldest state-supported military college, where he is receiving an exceptional education and rigorous training ,VMI is currently under threat from a politically motivated attack by Virginia Democrats, including the new governor, which jeopardizes its independence, funding, and very existence as a state institution. I urge you to intervene by nationalizing VMI thereby safeguarding its legacy and ensuring its continued contribution to America’s defense. Virginia Democrats target military college’s funding after anti-DEI push” (published January 20, 2026), Democrats in the Virginia legislature have launched an effort that could ultimately end VMI’s status as a state-funded university. This includes proposals to subject VMI to a state inquiry over its handling of historical issues related to racism and sexism, and potentially place it under the supervision or merger with another Virginia public university—likely Virginia State University (VSU). Such moves appear to be a direct response to VMI’s recent anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, which align with broader conservative efforts to prioritize merit, discipline, and tradition over politically driven agendas. T This assault on VMI is not grounded in educational or fiscal merit but is a transparent political vendetta. VMI boasts impressive performance metrics that far outpace those of the proposed supervising institution. With a 77% six-year graduation rate, approximately 74% four-year graduation rate, and an 81-82% first-year retention rate, VMI ranks ninth among Virginia’s public colleges in retention. Moreover, it manages an $800 million endowment, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability. contrast, the Other institutions in question have a four-year graduation rate of only 26-28%, a six-year rate of 41-45%, a first-year retention rate of 62-71%, and a mere $100 million endowment. Forcing VMI—a proven leader in military education—under the oversight of a lower-performing university defies logic and serves only ideological purposes. It risks diluting VMI’s unique culture of excellence, which has produced leaders, including generals, CEOs, and public servants who have strengthened our nation. • Preserve VMI’s storied traditions, dating back to 1839, including its role in training citizen-soldiers who embody American values of resilience, integrity, and patriotism. • Enhance federal military preparedness by expanding access to high-caliber officer training, potentially integrating VMI cadets into ROTC or direct commissioning programs under Department of Defense oversight. • Counteract the erosion of merit-based institutions amid cultural shifts, signaling a commitment to excellence over equity mandates that have proven ineffective elsewhere. • Provide VMI with stable federal funding, allowing it to continue its high graduation and retention rates while contributing to a stronger, more unified military force. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I am available at your convenience to discuss further or provide additional information Michael Falcone

I’m Bob Hawthorne LtCol USAF Retd. I’ve served teaching in Virginia prior to active duty in hopewell Va the active to go to Vietnam until discovery I was an English history major at vmi and wrote on project blue book and given two years to write a two volume history of the foreign technology division in Vietnam Vmi produces many citizen soldiers. Ralph Costen ; Costen floor Glen allen who donated the wood floors vmi basketball bldg. Neil Steverson judge Henrico abd revojng judge across Virginia Also produces national leaders like head of the joint chiefs of staff General Caine and ambassador waltz to the president. For me my last job was protocol for President Clinton’s inauguration Putting vmi under vsu is like putting West Point under them. This is not a good natch. If you are doing this because of Maj Gen wins - a great guy remember most military are rotated every four years - they salute smartly - thank the General for allowing them to serve and live on. The vmi determined it was time to move on and selected a new superintendent It’s time to move on. ; Continue VMI’s funding ; recognize VMI’s. Board of vistors In the past this general assembly has delegates who are vmi graduated. So will the future George Patton attended vmi one year ; george marshall was a graduate and national leader Marshall hall at vmi is a museum now. His statue is in front of one of the barracks arches. Three young ladies I interviewed while at my reunion were going to be Virginia school teachers in physics and mathematics. Only 52 percent go on active duty or va guards. Many school teachers. Keep vmi. It’s a Virginia treasure

My daughter attended VMI, and it was the greatest education and life experience anyone could have gotten. And while I’ve read a number of articles and speeches recently, from personal experience, all I can say is that I felt better that she was at VMI than any other place. As a parent and a voter, I’d ask politicians from both sides of the aisle to stop politicizing Virginia colleges for political gains. Virginia has probably the best university system in the country, and its students and communities would be better served if the leaders of Virginia let its colleges serve their respective missions.

I am not in favor of this bill we need to keep VMI as a state run school because the school teaches its cadets good values to live by.

HB478 This testimony is in favor of the enactment of a Fine Arts Seal of Excellence on high school diplomas. In considering the Fine Arts Seal of Excellence on a diploma, a lot is to be considered. Guidelines and criteria should reflect the dedication students have given to the Fine Arts Program of their school district to receive such an honor. This honor would be not only an encouragement to the dedication and participation of the programs that really compliment the educational experience students receive academically, This recognition would not only serve to encourage the students participating and dedicating themselves, but also be a lighthouse to beacon prospective students to participate in such programs. We have long known the value of such programs to improve academic improvement, aid in responsibility through punctuality and taking ownership of being a part of team effort. These skills are valuable and carry young people into adulthood and through the rest of their lives. To recognize their significant dedication to such programs for most of their formidable high school years will I believe shape stronger intellect and success in our future graduates. Please deeply consider the positive impact this will have on future graduates when approving this measure. Respectfully, Mrs. O’Neill