Wright State drops debate, keeps $220K

COLUMBUS - State taxpayers gave Wright State University $220,000 to upgrade security for a debate the university is no longer hosting.

And university officials don't plan to return the money.

In December, lawmakers gave Wright State University $220,000 to help offset some of the cost of the first presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, scheduled for Sept. 26.

But the university abruptly pulled out of the debate last month, citing concerns about the growing cost of the debate – officials feared it would far exceed the $8 million mark – and security after attacks in Nice, Dallas and Baton Rouge.

Wright State pulls out of presidential debate

“We’re not building a fortress on campus,” university president David R. Hopkins told The Enquirer last month. “This was supposed to be an educational debate. The security issues were ramping out of control.”

Even though the $220,000 was earmarked to help with the debate, Wright State officials don't plan to repay the state.

The university spent the money on cyber security software, which upgraded its existing network and will benefit students with or without a debate, university spokesman Seth Bauguess said. "The state of Ohio is not asking the university to return the funds."

Wright State isn't required to return the money because it was allocated and spent in the last fiscal year, which ended June 30, Ohio Department of Higher Education spokesman Jeff Robinson said.

If Wright State spent the money on security, the university shouldn't return it, Rep. Niraj Antani, R-Miamisburg said.  "Should it be repaid? No. Because circumstances happen."

Instead of Wright State, Hofstra University in New York will host the first of three presidential debates on Sept. 26.