Ben Sasse Discusses Public Schools and Their Impact on Catholic Families

Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska stated that one of the primary objectives of the American public school system was to separate Catholic children from their parents and priests. He made these comments during an event with The Trinity Forum, saying, "The spread and rise of American public schools in the factory model was overwhelmingly about separating Catholic kids from their parents and their parish." Sasse, who announced his diagnosis of metastatic Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in December, also discussed the need for intentionality in balancing work and family life. He suggested that the current education structure may undergo significant changes, moving away from the traditional 40-hour school week to more flexible models that could include shorter hours and digital learning. Sasse emphasized the importance of fostering self-ownership and entrepreneurial skills among young people, particularly teenagers. He served in the Senate from 2015 to 2023 and is currently the president of the University of Florida, a position he took after his Senate term.