Wright State University in suburban Dayton has withdrawn from hosting the first presidential debate scheduled for September 26th.
Wright State’s president says there are two reasons why the university withdrew as a presidential debate venue: money and safety. David Hopkins says fundraising did not keep pace with the escalating costs tied to security. And, Hopkins says, the changing climate in the country has raised concerns about safety for those attending the debate.
“Our precedence happens to be our students and our campus. And the financial health of our campus. And so in the environment that we’re in right now, I think the risks are way too great concerning what I think is safety and our financial health,” Hopkins says.
The Commission on Presidential Debates says the first debate will be held instead at Hofstra University September 26th.