‘Parents should have a big say’ in what’s happening in schools, Burgess Owens says

During a Wednesday appearance at the University of Utah, Rep. Burgess Owens provided few specifics regarding his policy priorities in Washington, D.C. The second-term congressman instead devoted much of his time to offering advice and life lessons for students.

Owens, who represents Utah’s 4th Congressional District, which stretches from Murray to Gunnison, stumbled through brief prepared remarks highlighting his work on several issues, including student loan reform. He took a detour to talk about the importance of respect when discussing contentious topics.

“If you’re nice, respectful, at some point, your view will play out. You’re going to bring that person over to your side,” said Owens, who has referred to Democrats as “Marxists” and “communists” who subscribe to “an ideology of hate.”

Owens also lectured students on the importance of hard work and self-reliance.

“There is a tendency, and we’re getting more and more into this as society is changing, is to point at some folks who have no idea who you are, please give me help, please give me this, please help me out,” said Owens, who has filed for bankruptcy protection multiple times.

When he discussed policy, Owens was most animated when talking about education.

“States should have more power. (Local) districts should have more power. Parents should have more power when it comes down to educating kids from pre-K through 12,” Owens said. “Why am I so excited about where we’re at today? I’ve never seen the type of engagement with parents as I’ve seen these last couple of years. Parents should have a big say in terms of what is happening in the school system.”

Owens has railed about the “indoctrination” of students at colleges and universities. On Wednesday, he said America’s free-market system should give young people opportunities outside of traditional post-secondary education.

“We have to make sure every option is on the table when it comes to education - online, traditional, non-traditional, trade, vocational, whatever it is. You should be concerned about why would somebody stop you from having the choice that you want to have in whatever arena you want to go in?” Owens said.

Owens did not make mention of the 91 felony charges facing former President Donald Trump, whom he has endorsed in next year’s presidential election. Owens supported Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud following his 2020 election loss.

During a recent interview with a St. Louis radio station, Owens suggested the four indictments against Trump, including the latest indictment from a Georgia grand jury, were directed by President Joe Biden and warrant Republicans in Congress moving ahead with an impeachment inquiry.

“We can educate the American people about just how corrupt this administration is. I’ve never seen anything like it. They’re shameless. They do everything wrong and think there’s no way they’re going to be caught,” Owens said.

During the interview, Owens offered no evidence to support an impeachment and refused to answer Tribune questions about his push for an impeachment inquiry.

Instead of addressing Trump’s controversy, Owens urged students to avoid celebrity and scrutinize candidates before casting a ballot.

“Don’t get caught up in people’s names. Sometimes, it’s very easy to vote on a name. Educate yourself on the issues,” said Owens, who minutes earlier reminded attendees he played professional football for the Oakland Raiders.