The University of Dayton Human Rights Center received $352,109 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop a network of regional organizations to help prevent domestic violent extremism in southwest Ohio and beyond.

The Preventing Radicalization to Extremist Violence through Education, Network-Building and Training in Southwest Ohio (PREVENTS-OH) will raise awareness of what leads to radicalization and violence, create an education campaign for students about thinking critically of information in the media and online, and improve civic engagement throughout the community on sensitive topics related to domestic violent extremism. 

"We look forward to partnering with Ohioans throughout the Miami Valley across all political and social affiliations and sectors of the community. We truly believe people want to see the divisions stop, the threat of violence disappear, and the people of Ohio working together," said Shelley Inglis, executive director of the University of Dayton Human Rights Center. "With a historical connection to striving for peace and human dignity, we think southwest Ohio can be at the forefront of prevention efforts for the whole state. 

"Our first step will be to learn how people think about these difficult issues and what they want to do to address them. People are the solution to preventing domestic violent extremism."

University of Dayton faculty in sociology, philosophy and history who research extremism and radicalization will bring their expertise to the project.

"Working in partnership with one another is how we best prevent acts of terrorism and targeted violence," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. "Through the grant awards we are announcing today, we are equipping local communities and organizations — including those historically underserved — with needed resources so they can become more effective partners, strengthen our security, and help the American people feel safe and secure in our daily lives."

To learn more about the University of Dayton Human Rights center, visit https://udayton.edu/artssciences/ctr/hrc/index.php.

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson@udayton.edu.