Dr. Luis Pedraja: Education Is the Foundation of Democracy

By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester

Credit: QCC

WORCESTER, MASS- Luis Pedraja – President – Quinsigamond Community College speaks with the Talk of the Commonwealth about the importance of education in upholding the ideals of democracy. Dr. Pedraja says “Education enables us to participate in democracy and in that way be a continuation of that promise that was made a long time ago on the 4th of July in 1776.” He also says “Education gives us the skillset to be more engaged and participate in democracy as it was meant to be.” Pedraja notes that education provides critical thinking skills and exposure to diverse perspectives, which are necessary in the age of misinformation. He says “When we start silencing ideas and muting perspectives that we don’t agree with or just taking away the rights of education to people, we become poorer as a nation.” and that “We can’t shield people from ideas. We’ve got to equip them to choose their own path. That’s Liberty. Education ensures that freedom is inclusive, not limited.”
Hank Stolz and Dr. Pedraja talk about how immigrants are often attracted to the United States by the promise of education and the opportunity to fulfill the American dream.