Yes it is illegal to remove the vin plate. Federal law clearly states that it is illegal to remove a vin plate. The problem comes into play if the car changes hands--something that will happen to all the board members except me. When it changes hands from me, whatver issues won't be my concern because I'll be dead.

I'd leave it intact, but it's your car, and it's been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that I never know what I'm talking about.