President David Hopkins of Wright State University (WSU) in Ohio said WSU is withdrawing as the host of the first Presidential Debate, scheduled for Sept. 26 at Nutter Center, over safety concerns.
He cited escalating costs for security and the inability to raise enough money from community and State to cover what could be as much as $8 million to host the event.
Hopkins said Tuesday that he was motivated in part by security concerns raised by the recent attack in Nice, France. “I can’t assure the safety of our students and the community,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins informed the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) at noon today, and hopes to recoup at least some of the $2 million fee that was paid to the Commission in advance. Approximately $500,000 had been spent already on Nutter Center upgrades.
The university has raised about $3.5 million in contributions, State funding and in-kind pledges.
The university is in an internal remediation plan to overcome its budget deficit, and that also played a role in the decision, Hopkins said. “I can’t dip into more reserves to do this debate,” Hopkins said. “I’m not going to do this when we’re in remediation.”
Hopkins said his Board of Trustees has been supportive and understands the concerns about of spiraling costs and safety. “I wanted it so much for our students,” Hopkins said. “I hate this decision. It hurts my heart.”
State Representative Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) said: “I am very disappointed to hear that Wright State had to pull out of hosting the debate due to security costs. The threat of radical Islamic terrorism is affecting us right here in the Dayton area. A presidential debate is a demonstration of democracy and it shouldn’t be cost prohibitive because of security concerns.”
UPDATE
Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York will get the first Presidential Debate.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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