Rep. Brian Rasel’s proposed Unraveling Socialism Act purports to address a crisis in higher education that simply does not exist. Requiring every student at a public college or university to take a mandatory class about the “threats” of communism and socialism is not education, it’s public theater.

Justification by Rasel, R-Penn Township, relies heavily on a survey by the Libertarian Cato Institute that is riddled with framing problems and bias. While 34% of respondents reportedly view socialism favorably, the same survey shows 90% also believe people should be able to make as much money as they can, a contradiction that Rasel ignores.

The Cato survey also found college students’ views on socialism were no different than high school graduates, undercutting Rasel’s claims of a crisis in higher education. A Princeton study tracking nearly 65,000 students found college does not radicalize students economically; if anything, they became economically more conservative.

Like far too many Republicans, Rasel has a solution in search of a problem. His proposal threatens free speech rights, imposes right-wing indoctrination and further undermines public institutions. Meanwhile, students will foot the bill, paying hundreds of dollars per credit for a class they don’t want or need.

Susan Pardus

Penn Township, Westmoreland County

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