Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 17, 1990 TAG: 9005170466
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-14 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
This week, Wilder showed he's more than glad to dabble in matters normally under the purview of boards of visitors. He is ordering the University of Virginia, along with other state schools and agencies, to sell assets invested in companies with "substantial" ties to South Africa.
Meanwhile, with Virginia Military Institute's all-male admissions policy, he throws up his hands. The governor, he explains, shouldn't put himself in the middle of a lawsuit.
Wilder's stance on divestiture is particularly curious now. It comes at a time when UVa, for one, already is in the process of divesting its holdings, and when South Africa seems to be making strides toward giving blacks a voice in government.
It also comes at a time when Wilder's political standing with the nation's black leaders could use a boost. Some of them are uneasy with Wilder's conservative rhetoric. A strong stand on divestiture wins easy credit.
Wilder insists divestiture and VMI are different cases: VMI is embroiled in a lawsuit; investment of state funds is a question of policy.
But that's too convenient a defense. Historically, governors have not let lawsuits stand in the way of taking sides - especially when issues such as integration and segregation were concerned. The fiduciary responsibility of those managing state funds surely complicates his order to divest as much as the Justice Department's action obstructs policy-making with VMI.
Just last year, Gov. Gerald Baliles was criticized for even suggesting that VMI rethink its admissions policy. Wilder has avoided that path. Where VMI is concerned, he seems bent on sticking with a non-stance until it's convenient to do otherwise.
When will that be? Wilder presumably could avoid endorsing coeducation until it looks inevitable - and when he knows the VMI alums won't hold it against him. Waiting might prove politically savvy, but wouldn't say much for his leadership.
To make any other endorsement, on the other hand, could cost him support among liberal activists - and they tend to have a healthy say in presidential caucuses and primaries.
The governor hinted earlier this week that he may break his silence on VMI when he addresses the cadets at the institute's commencement ceremony. This would be a good occasion to make his views known - and to say how he'll try to influence the outcome.
For Wilder is, after all, governor. If, in his commencement speech, he were frank about VMI - and said not a word about divestiture - that'd be fine.
by CNB