VMI Board of Visitors Minutes Summary
November 4, 1927
Present: R. W. Massie (President); H. Hart, Joseph Button, A. F. Ryland, H. H. Holt, R. W. Sexton, M. B. Corse. Also present: Superintendent William H. Cocke; L. E. Steele, Secretary
Includes background for establishment (1925) and operation of the General Committee.
Includes Superintendent’s statement on hazing.
• Superintendent reads communication written by him to the Board regarding the cadet mutiny of October 1927. Insubordinate conduct caused by rigorous enforcement of regulation prohibiting hazing. Surgeon reports cadet admitted to hospital as a result of being beaten. “I am convinced that some course must be taken which will absolutely put a stop to the striking of new cadets by old cadets….I have personally refused to permit the Cadet Honor Court to treat hazing cases as a matter of honor because the support of the Honor Court in the suppression of stealing, lying and cheating has been very effective and I feared the extension of jurisdiction of this Court to a matter which is not generally looked upon as a crime by the cadets, would lower the prestige and reduce the usefulness of the Honor Court. However, I permitted a General Committee to be appointed [1925], the members of which were members of the Honor Court, and gave this committee the right to try hazing cases. “
[page 4]
• Changes in regulations approved re: reporting to surgeon/sick call; no publication of official transactions unless authorized.
• Rental of rooms in Alumni Hall occupied by Majors Boykin and Mann fixed at $12.50 per month
• No reinstatements considered this meeting
• Committee appointed to determine what shall constitute Virginia residence
[page 5]
• Board considered and denied Honor Court proposals to control problem of hazing; Board and Superintendent retain authority.
• Finance Committee authorized to have First and Merchants national Bank of Richmond to reinvest $20,000 state bond certificates.
