A row erupted after former DOGE chief Vivek Ramaswamy faced backlash over claims that his higher education reform plan could hurt local universities and jobs, with MAGA critics claiming it could indirectly benefit India and H-1B visa holders.The controversy began after a right-wing social media user accused the Indian-American Ramaswamy of wanting to “shut down” major 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 engineering competition in Ohio to the benefit of India and H1B companies,” and noted that the three institutions combined employ about 20,000 people.
The criticism comes on the heels of an opinion piece Ramaswamy wrote in the Columbus Dispatch, in which he outlined a plan to reform what he described as Ohio’s “fragmented” public university system. He did not explicitly call for closures, but argued that declining enrollment and rising costs required structural change.
“Ohio must fix its ‘fragmented’ public universities: Ramaswamy.”
Ramaswamy wrote in his article that Ohio is facing a demographic and educational transformation. “The number of high school graduates in Ohio has peaked,” he noted, adding that the numbers are expected to decline by 17 percent by 2041.
Meanwhile, fewer students are choosing to pursue four-year degrees, with enrollment rates falling from 59% in 2015 to 47.6% in 2021.He also pointed to rising costs, noting that “the total cost of attending public universities in Ohio has increased approximately 50% over the past 15 years,” putting increasing pressure on families.Ohio State divides its funding among a very large number of colleges and campuses, including 14 public universities, 24 regional campuses and 22 community colleges, Ramaswamy said.Instead of closing universities completely, he proposed turning universities with fewer students into specialized “centres of excellence.” “Specialization creates excellence, and excellence attracts students,” he wrote, adding that universities should focus on what they do best to improve quality and reduce costs.However, critics of America First 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 a complete and complete ban on H1-B visas. Ramaswamy is campaigning in the upcoming Ohio gubernatorial election, where he faces Republican challengers including Casey Butch, and is expected to face Democrat Amy Acton in the primary race. Vivek’s Indian roots have become a major hurdle in his campaign in an already deeply red state. However, he has the support and endorsement of US President Donald Trump himself.
