Former Senator Rick Santorum recently criticized Hillary Clinton’s radical proposal for a K-12 digital literacy program, claiming it represents a major government overreach and stifles free speech.
In an op-ed co-authored by Clinton and billionaire Jim Steyer, they advocated for digital literacy education alongside measures to ban cellphones in classrooms and implement warning labels on social media platforms.
Santorum responded vehemently, arguing that government control of information has led to a biased educational environment that suppresses conservative viewpoints.
He emphasized that initiatives like Clinton’s contribute to a hyper-partisan educational system, undermining parental authority in children’s education. Santorum stated, “Politicians and bureaucrats don’t need more power… parents do,” asserting that parents should control their children’s media consumption and education.
Clinton and Steyer’s editorial highlighted the need for a digital literacy curriculum to equip students with skills for navigating the online world safely.
They also referenced New York’s SAFE For Kids Act, which aims to combat addictive social media use and protect children’s online safety.
Santorum’s critique reflects his broader concerns about government influence on education and media.
He pointed out that Clinton’s approach aligns with her previous advocacy for collectivist policies, arguing that such measures erode parental decision-making.
He believes that the focus should be on empowering families rather than expanding government authority over children’s education.
This debate illustrates the ongoing tension between differing political ideologies regarding education and media, with Santorum and Clinton representing contrasting views on how to approach the challenges posed by the digital age.
[READ MORE: Trump Announces Plan to Defund NPR and PBS]
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