US university not to host presidential debate, citing security concerns
A university in the US state of Ohio has decided to scrap plans to host a presidential debate, saying it is concerned about security as “things have changed” since they made the decision.
Scheduled for September 26, the debate was supposed to be held in Wright State University’s Nutter Center, but its president said Tuesday he had changed his mind, according o the university’s news website.
“We were fully aware of the challenges and were prepared to meet them when we decided to host the debate, but things have changed,” said Wright State President David R. Hopkins.
Several terror attacks mostly by Takfiri affiliates of the Daesh terror group has recently brought about a state of shock in the Western society, pushing authorities to exercise more caution in holding events with a large number of people in attendance.
“This is a very difficult decision,” Hopkins said. “But there has been a growing crescendo of concern about what it would take to guarantee the safety and security of the campus and the community. The expense would be daunting.”
He added that extra measures to beef up security would increase the cost of the event, estimated between $3 million and $5 million, to as much as $8 million.
“We have a responsibility to our community both safety-wise and financially to do the right thing,” he stated.
According to board chair Michael Bridges, the Wright State Board of Trustees fully backs the decision to scrap the plan.
“It’s the responsible thing to do,” Bridges said. “While the community has been overwhelmingly supportive of Wright State hosting the debate, the safety and security of the campus and community is of paramount importance.”
Following the decision, the debate will have to be held at Hofstra University in New York, which is the alternate site.
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