In a bold stance, Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate, reiterated his call to abolish the Department of Education and unveiled his plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. education system if elected.
During an interview with Fox News, Ramaswamy emphasized the significance of education as one of the key issues in the United States, particularly highlighting the influence of the Department of Education. He firmly believes that education plays a pivotal role in his mission to reinvigorate national pride.
“I strongly believe that there are fundamental steps we can take… to restore a sense of national pride, especially among the next generation of Americans,” expressed Ramaswamy.
As the first millennial to ever run for the GOP nomination, he considers it his responsibility to address these matters. Ramaswamy proposed that every high school senior, upon graduation, should be required to pass the same civics test that is mandatory for immigrants seeking naturalization in the country.
Responding to host Rachel Campos-Duffy’s concern that abolishing the Department of Education could jeopardize his plan, Ramaswamy acknowledged the pervasiveness of the problem but offered a comprehensive solution.
“You are correct that this issue is deeply rooted and there is no simple solution,” acknowledged Ramaswamy.
“I firmly believe that everyone has a role to play,” he continued. “However, as a candidate for the U.S. presidency, I can share what the president can do most effectively: dismantle the Department of Education, which currently wields its financial power to enforce divisive and racially driven agendas onto local school districts.”
“Instead, let’s redirect those funds to underfunded school choice programs in respective states,” he proposed.
The entrepreneur also expressed concern over the lack of civics education in the United States, underscoring that a deficiency in civic knowledge correlates with the rise of authoritarianism.
“Young people are no longer being educated about their own rights within this country,” he lamented. “A majority of them couldn’t even enumerate the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. When those rights are infringed upon, they remain unaware of what they have lost. This path not only leads to a nation devoid of pride but also paves the way for an authoritarian state. History has taught us that an authoritarian regime thrives on a population ignorant of the rights they should truly cherish.”