Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) -- A report into alleged systemic racism at Virginia Military Institute found half of all Black cadets at the school say there is a culture of racial intolerance at the school. Fourty-two eprcent say African-Americans are discriminated against "a lot." The report also accused VMI of trying to control the investigation, and says VMI has an "us vs them" mentality that needs to be addressed.
The report begins by stating that if VMI does not think critically about its past and present, it will "remain a school for white men." The Barnes & Thornburg law firm's survey also found many respondents felt issues surrounding gender at the school were greater than the racial issues the school faces. Fourteen percent of female cadets reported being sexually assaulted.
The report makes a number of recommendations, including additional oversight, sensitivity training, and because some of the racial divide is tied to splits between athletes and non-athletes, addressing whether the school should continue to be in NCAA Division 1. The law firm also recommends VMI continue to reduce its emphasis on traditions tied to the Civil War.
VMI's new superintendent, retired Major General Cedric Wins, who is Black, is calling the report an opportunity to come together. Governor Ralph Northam, a VMI graduate, is promising accountability, along with other Democratic leaders. You can see the report here.