Vivek Ramaswamy is Still Focused on Shutting Down Ohio Colleges & Universities He Deems “Subpar”

Vivek Ramaswamy is Still Focused on Shutting Down Ohio Colleges & Universities He Deems "Subpar"

April 23, 2026

Columbus, Ohio- Vivek Ramaswamy is doubling down once again on his proposal to shut down Ohio colleges and universities to fund his disastrous tax scam. His plan drew immediate backlash from communities across the state who don't want to jeopardize their small businesses, jobs and access to education.

READ: Vivek Ramaswamy still focused on shutting down 'subpar' Ohio universities

• Republican candidate for Ohio governor Vivek Ramaswamy is still pushing to shut down public colleges and universities if he believes they are 'subpar,' he said Tuesday evening.

• "I don't think you should be funding subpar universities," Ramaswamy said to a student asking a question.

• Cleveland State's president, Dr. Laura Bloomberg, said consolidations can't be the only option:

• "We need to honor the identity of our public universities, which were formed for specific purposes to meet the needs of their region. All options need to be discussed - there are many ways to think about programs and strategic partnerships that are far short of consolidation and achieve the goals of being more nimble, efficient institutions of higher education.

• Cleveland State is proud to call itself Cleveland's university. We are a public research university located in the heart of the city. For more than 60 years, we have been essential to the region and the state. Our longstanding and growing relationships with the community and employers directly benefit our students. More than 85% of CSU graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio, contributing directly to our region's economy."

###