PAR and FAR will be locked during Halloween weekend, and any visitors will be required to call up to a room for an escort. The halls will also have twice as many RAs on staff for the weekend. The University staff is trying to make sure that students know that this is nothing more than a legend. Bill Murphy, associate chancellor for public affairs, also confirmed that Oprah never aired the show, and informed police that the rumor was a hoax. RAs also made sure to dispel the rumor quickly to avoid any commotion.
Police also say the specifics of the legend are ambiguous.
Mark Goldman, Peabody Drive area coordinator for the University Residence Halls, said he believes the story should be treated as a hoax. I think my fear is that this kind of thing is something that can give someone an idea to do something horrible. Assistant Director of Housing James Rooney does not anticipate any problems. Students at PAR seemed to have brushed off a threat of impending danger.