Bachmann argues for local control of education

U.S. Representative and GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann spoke about her views on education at the University of Northern Iowa on Nov. 30. UNI and Iowa Public Radio collaborated to host the event, called "Addressing Challenges and Opportunities in Education Today."

"You are privileged to be in a college education. Don't start off life thinking you're a dependent; start off life thinking you've got something to give and you've got something to gain," said Bachmann, R-Minn. "You have freedom and that's enough. Make the most out of this gift that God's given you."

Bachmann talked about growing up in the Waterloo community and the type of education she received as a child.

"My parents knew that education was key," Bachmann said. "I can't imagine anywhere in the world to rather have grown up and been from than in this area."

During the Q-and-A portion of the event, one attendee questioned how much the representative paid for college tuition. Bachmann playfully responded, "My first year of college tuition was $8 a credit hour. You could maybe buy two cups of coffee with a credit hour now."

Bachmann also discussed how she believes the U.S. Department of Education is unnecessary.

"We did not have a Department of Education until the late 1970s," Bachmann said. "The Department of Education consumes billions and billions of dollars that go into the blob in Washington, D.C., and I would rather see those billions of dollars in Iowa. For Iowa teachers, for Iowa schools, for Iowa desks, Iowa carpet and bus drivers."

Throughout the debate, Bachmann reiterated the idea that the federal government should not play a part in education, but rather, local government should have control over local schools.

At one point, she recalled a time when she asked Iowa superintendents how they would feel if she "removed the laws and mandates that the federal government put on you as a superintendent (and) repeal(ed) all that in exchange for the bit of federal education money – would you take the deal?"

"And they say, ‘Of course we would,' because Iowa would rather be without federal rules and mandate than receive the money they receive from the federal government," Bachmann said.

When Bachmann was discussing why she believes local control of education gives better results than federal involvement in education, an attendee yelled out, "Cite your research. We're a place of higher education."

"Look at the historical data, ACT data, and you'll see that when students were under local control, that's when the scores were the highest," Bachmann responded. "Google is available, ma'am. It is historical data and is available on the Internet."

Another discussion arose when an attendee asked Bachmann whether she believed intelligent design should be taught alongside evolution in public schools.

"I think that all science should be on the table, and if that's where science leads, that's where it leads.  I think one thing that we do not want to have is a censorship by the government. Government shouldn't be dictating what information goes on the table," Bachmann said. "Federal government shouldn't make that determination, and it's up to the states to determine and more importantly, what the local system determines."

An attendee who said he was a U.S. veteran questioned Bachmann about providing health care to all who need it. She said she opposed socialized health care, or "Obamacare." As he tried to continue debating with Bachmann, he was asked to sit down and was later asked to leave the building, but not without a fight.

"They're kicking out a U.S. vet!" he said as he was escorted out of the premises.

Gene Morales, a senior history major, said he felt better educated on Bachmann's stance after the event.

"I feel that I'm very informed on her stance on education; where it's not the federal government's fault, it's going to be on the local level," Morales said. "I don't like her stance. She didn't explain very much of how she would implement that and where she would implement that."

Tom Early, a senior religious studies major, agrees with Morales' opinion.

"I appreciated her taking time from her busy schedule to speak; (I was) a little disappointed, though, because it seems that her personal philosophy on education and the federal government did not lend itself to dialogue in a public forum like this," Early said. "It seemed like she had a blanket answer of, ‘This is not my job.'"

Tamara Scott, state co-chair of the Bachmann campaign in Iowa, appreciated Bachmann's views and is optimistic about the future of the country if Bachmann were elected in 2012.

"If you understand the constitution (and) the preservation of the nation, (then) the best option is Michele Bachmann. Along with allowing us our freedom as individuals, as states, and giving us the opportunity to work diplomatically in policy," Scott said.

Scott decided to support Bachmann because she believes Bachmann "most clearly understands" the Constitution and its intent. In addition, she thinks Bachmann "most clearly resembles the forefathers and their intent."

With the arrival of the campaign at UNI, Scott hopes that UNI students will learn something from the event.

"Campuses are known for liberal views. It's nice that they can honestly hear the truth without being tainted," Scott said.

Bachmann feels UNI students have a bright future ahead of them.

"You are known as a teachers' college," Bachmann said. "You're making a wise choice to go to school to get an education to further your dreams and ambition because fact is — you can succeed."

The 2012 Presidential Candidate Education Forums continue at UNI on Friday, Dec. 9, with Rick Santorum speaking at 11 a.m. in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center lobby.