Cleveland State Law Student Criticizes Ramaswamy's College Consolidation Proposal

Cael A. Shaw, a CSU law student, argues that Ramaswamy's plan to close and consolidate Ohio universities would hurt hardworking students.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:11pm

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An abstract, fragmented painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in earthy green, orange, and blue tones, conveying a sense of motion and change around a university campus building.A conceptual illustration reflecting the turbulence and uncertainty surrounding proposals to consolidate Ohio's public universities.Cleveland Today

Cael A. Shaw, a member of the Cleveland State University Law School Class of 2027, has written a letter to the editor criticizing presumptive GOP gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy's proposal to close and consolidate some of Ohio's public universities. Shaw argues that Ramaswamy's comments are a 'slap in the face' to hardworking CSU students, many of whom balance full-time jobs and other sacrifices to continue their education at an affordable public university close to home.

Why it matters

Ramaswamy's proposal to consolidate Ohio's public universities could significantly impact access to affordable higher education, especially for students at urban institutions like Cleveland State that serve as a gateway to opportunity for many in the local community. Shaw's letter highlights the real-world implications of such a policy for dedicated students working to improve their lives and communities.

The details

In his letter, Shaw describes how access to an affordable education at Cleveland State has been 'life-changing' for him and his classmates. He notes that many CSU students work full-time jobs while in school and make significant sacrifices to continue their studies. Shaw argues that Ramaswamy's proposal to close and consolidate some of Ohio's public universities would make getting an education more difficult for these hardworking students.

  • Ramaswamy's comments about closing some of Ohio's public universities were recently posted to his campaign's social media on March 19, 2026.

The players

Cael A. Shaw

A member of the Cleveland State University Law School Class of 2027 and a student leader.

Vivek Ramaswamy

The presumptive GOP gubernatorial nominee in Ohio who has proposed closing and consolidating some of the state's public universities.

James Rhodes

A former Republican governor of Ohio who had a goal of ensuring every Ohio student lived within 25 miles of a college education.

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What they’re saying

“Strong public universities are a core part of our state's foundation. Republican Gov. James Rhodes said it was his goal for every Ohio student to live within 25 miles of a college education.”

— Cael A. Shaw, CSU Law Student

“Cleveland State students are working hard. Ramaswamy's comments are a slap in the face to their hard work. I know CSU students won't be voting for Vivek Ramaswamy.”

— Cael A. Shaw, CSU Law Student

The takeaway

This letter highlights the real-world impact that Ramaswamy's proposal to consolidate Ohio's public universities could have on dedicated students like those at Cleveland State, who rely on affordable, accessible higher education to improve their lives and communities. It underscores the importance of preserving a robust public university system in Ohio that provides opportunities for all.