Entrepreneur and 2026 Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is doubling down on education reform as a pillar of his campaign, emphasizing the role of STEM education in restoring national pride and preparing America for future global competition.
In a recent social media post, Ramaswamy wrote:
“75% of 8th graders aren’t proficient in math. Less than 16% of Gen Z says they’re proud to be American. These aren’t unrelated.”
The statement followed his meeting with leadership at Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry (COSI), where he discussed strategies to boost science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and promote civic engagement among young Americans.
A native of Cincinnati, Ramaswamy has consistently tied educational decline to broader societal issues, including weakening patriotism and national competitiveness. He has frequently argued that poor academic outcomes pose a national security risk, particularly when compared to nations like China.
As part of his education platform, Ramaswamy has proposed:
- Merit-based teacher pay: Introducing performance-based compensation models to reward excellence and accountability in teaching.
- Civics test for graduation: Requiring high school students to pass a civics exam modeled after the U.S. naturalization test to reinforce understanding of American history and values.
- Cell phone ban in schools: Prohibiting phone use during school hours to reduce distractions and improve academic performance.
Ramaswamy’s policy positions often stir debate, particularly for their emphasis on discipline, meritocracy, and national identity in education. Critics argue his proposals are rigid, while supporters applaud his unapologetic stance on academic standards and civic knowledge.
With the 2026 gubernatorial race heating up, Ramaswamy’s education-first approach may resonate with voters concerned about declining academic scores and a perceived erosion of American values among younger generations.
