ATLANTA (Diya TV) — Nalin Haley, the son of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, is sharply criticizing Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy over his proposed education reforms and past remarks on Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act. His comments set off a fresh political dispute involving two high-profile Indian American conservatives.
Haley lashed out at Ramaswamy after a video resurfaced in which the Ohio gubernatorial candidate suggested a year-round school calendar to help parents reduce childcare costs. Haley said the idea reflected what he called “third-world parenting.” He wrote on X that “this creep should not be near any child” and warned that Ramaswamy’s policies should not guide American education.
The term “third world” is widely viewed as outdated and offensive. It originally referred to countries that were not aligned with the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War but is now often used pejoratively to describe developing nations.
Haley also revived a separate controversy involving a 2022 social media post in which Ramaswamy commented on Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act. Critics labeled the legislation the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The law banned classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade and later expanded to all grades with exceptions for health and reproductive education.
Ramaswamy suggested Republicans should use a rhyme-based slogan such as “wait until 8” to counter the “Don’t Say Gay” label. He said the phrase could avoid public confusion by making clear that schools should wait until students turn 8 before teaching sex-related topics. Haley framed the remark as “wanting to teach 8 year olds about sex,” a claim that mischaracterized the original post. Florida officials later clarified that the law restricts formal instruction, not casual discussion.
Ramaswamy, now running for governor of Ohio in 2026, has proposed sweeping changes to the state’s public education system. His platform includes a year-round school schedule, longer school days, stronger phonics-based reading instruction, restoration of the third-grade reading guarantee, and a pay-for-performance model for teachers. He argues these reforms will address declining math and reading scores and give families more school-choice options.
Ramaswamy says year-round schooling would improve student achievement and ease financial pressure on working parents. Supporters say the idea reflects similar models used in other high-performing countries. Critics argue it would place new burdens on teachers, parents, and local budgets.
The younger Haley, 24, has built a reputation for sharp commentary on immigration and American identity. In a recent Fox News interview, he called for ending the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers. Many recipients come from India, the country of his grandparents origin. Haley said his loyalty is to America and argued that foreign worker visas hurt U.S. employees.
He has also said immigrants should “assimilate” and embrace American values. He criticized policies under the Obama administration that he said encouraged new arrivals to avoid assimilation. Haley insisted immigrants should adopt American culture and contribute to the workforce on equal terms.
His comments have drawn both support and backlash. Some Americans agree with stricter limits on immigration and public office eligibility. Others note irony in Haley’s arguments, given that his own mother’s political rise is rooted in her immigrant background.
Haley’s comments about Ramaswamy underscore growing divisions within the Republican Party over cultural issues, education, and immigration. Ramaswamy remains a prominent voice in conservative politics, especially on school reform and parental rights. Haley represents a younger wing of the party that champions hardline nationalist positions.
The clash also reflects broader debates among conservatives about how schools should operate, what children should learn, and how the United States should manage immigration and cultural change.
As Ramaswamy continues his run for Ohio governor, and Nikki Haley maintains her national political influence, the dispute between their families may fuel further political attention. Both sides show no sign of backing down as the conversation around education policy and national identity continues to deepen within the GOP.
