In a move aimed to bolster safety on college campuses across the state, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on Monday that 28 colleges and universities will receive a total of $7.5 million in funding for security enhancements. The initiative is part of the FY2025-26 Campus Safety Grant Program, supported by House Bill 2 of the 135th General Assembly.
“Ohio remains committed to ensuring our colleges and universities have the resources they need to make their campuses as safe as possible,” Governor DeWine said in a statement announcing the grants.
Buckeye State campuses have been plagued with increasing crime rates since at least 2020, highlighted by the shooting death of Ohio State University student Chase Meola in October of that year.
OSU president Kristina Johnson announced in the fall 2021 that the school would redirect $2 million a year for at least 10 years toward crime fighting measures on-campus as well as in nearby off-campus areas. The funds were in addition to the school’s $23.5 million safety and security budget, the school noted.
“We are all committed to working hand-in-hand until this problem is solved in our community and our city,” Johnson said at the time.
Johnson, who assumed the role in August 2020 was replaced by current OSU president Ted Carter in January 2024.
The additional taxpayer monies allocated by Governor DeWine will be utilized for a variety of security measures including the installation of security cameras, improved lighting, enhanced door locks, and the acquisition of portable surveillance trailers, radios, and drones in order to create a more secure environment for both students and faculty.
According to the university’s most recent review of crime statistics, 711 crimes were reported in 2023. The Columbus Dispatch noted records showed a 99 percent increase from the previous year. Significant spikes in nonconsensual sexual contact (NSC) and motor vehicle theft were listed, with 366 incidents of NSC and 114 motor vehicle thefts.
“These grants will allow us to continue this important work so students can focus on thriving in their studies, chasing their career goals, and reaching their full potential,” DeWine said.
In a Wednesday statement, and Ohio State University public safety spokesperson expressed appreciation for the school’s $257,000 grant, noting the money “will help us take important steps in enhancing safety and security at multiple campuses.” Among OSU’s specific plans for spending is the installation of classroom locks at Ohio State Mansfield and Ohio State Marion, replacement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at Ohio State Mansfield, and supplies for the Columbus campus 9-1-1 communications center.
Since its inception in 2021, the Ohio School Safety Center’s Campus Safety Grant Program has distributed approximately $17.5 million, with prior allocations in August 2021 and November 2022.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter / X @christinakb.
Photo “Gov. Mike DeWine” by Gov. Mike DeWine.
