A row erupted after ex-DOGE lead Vivek Ramaswamy faced backlash over claims that his higher education reform plan could harm local universities and jobs, with MAGA critics alleging it could indirectly benefit India and H-1B visa holders.The controversy began after a right-wing social media user accused Indian-American Ramaswamy of wanting to “close” key engineering and STEM institutions in Ohio, including the University of Akron, Kent State University and Central State University. The post claimed that such a move would “eliminate global Ohio engineering competition to benefit India and H1Bs” and noted that the three institutions collectively employ around 20,000 people.
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The criticism follows an opinion piece by Ramaswamy in The Columbus Dispatch, where he outlined a plan to reform what he described as Ohio’s “fragmented” public university system. He did not explicitly call for closures, but he argued that falling enrolment and rising costs demand structural change.
‘Ohio must reform its ‘fragmented’ public universities’: Ramaswamy
In his article, Ramaswamy wrote that Ohio is facing a demographic and educational shift. “The number of high school graduates in Ohio has peaked,” he noted, adding that figures are expected to drop by 17 per cent by 2041. At the same time, fewer students are opting for four-year degrees, with enrolment rates falling from 59 per cent in 2015 to 47.6 per cent in 2021.He also pointed to rising costs, stating that “the total cost of attending Ohio’s public universities has increased by nearly 50% over the past 15 years”, placing increasing pressure on families.Ramaswamy said Ohio is dividing its funding across too many colleges and campuses, including 14 public universities, 24 regional branches, and 22 community colleges.Instead of shutting universities down completely, he suggested turning those with fewer students into specialised “centres of excellence”. “Specialization creates distinction, and distinction attracts students,” he wrote, adding that universities should focus on what they do best to improve quality and cut costs.However, ‘America First’ critics argue that such restructuring could disproportionately affect smaller or regional institutions, potentially leading to job losses and reduced access to education. Most of the conservative base is already calling for the complete and total ban of H1-B visas. Ramaswamy is campaigning in the upcoming Ohio gubernatorial elections, where he faces Republican rivals including Casey Putsch, and is expected to take on Democrat Amy Acton in the main race. Vivek’s Indian roots have become a big hurdle in his campaign in an already deep-red state. However, he has the backing and endorsement of US President Donald Trump himself.
