Candidate For Ohio House Takes Issue With OSU's 'Sophomore Rule'

Usually When candidates target college students they focus on issues like rising tuition or jobs after graduation. But one candidate for state rep is trying to win votes with a unique issue, OSU's upcoming rule that all sophomores live in college dorms. The sidewalk sign along High Street urges: "Repeal the Sophomore Rule." Beginning in 2016 Ohio State will require all second year students to live in campus dorms. But, Republican candidate for Ohio House, Seth Golding, thinks that's a bad idea and vows to try to repeal the rule if elected. He says it's more about money than education. "Why would this university think that it would be okay for a college student, who already has record debt to have to pay more, I think that's almost criminal in my way of thinking," says Golding. The cost cost of Ohio State room and board is $10,000 per year. Golding says sophomores can live cheaper off campus. Student Shabbir Raziuddin lives in an off campus apartment. He's seen Golding's signs but he's not sure repeal of the sophomore rule will translate into votes. "I'm actually for it. I do know that some people are against it in terms of it like being perceived as a money-grabbing situation from OSU. But it does make sense because the environment that the dorms provide is one of more scholarly environment," Raziuddin says. Ohio State will join four other state-assisted universities which require sophomores to live on campus. But, those campuses are in smaller cities with fewer off-campus housing options. Golding's opponent, Democrat Kevin Boyce of Columbus, says he would "be concerned about any law that would be applied only to OSU."