Most incoming freshmen in the past years have not worried about the threat of a serial killer.
However, safety has made its way to the top of some prospective students’ priority lists.
Richard Rachal, an LSU Ambassador and finance junior, said he received two surprising responses while making “tiger calls” to address any questions or concerns of people who have been accepted to LSU.
Two days after the latest serial killer victim, Carrie Yoder, was declared missing, Rachal said he talked to two people who had decided not to come to LSU.
“With a serial killer, I just don’t feel comfortable in Baton Rouge,” they told Rachal.
Usually when Rachal makes tiger calls, the normal response is, “Yeah, definitely,” but he was surprised to find out that is not always the case.
Rachal proceeded to explain how the University has been responding to the safety concerns.
He told them there have been increased police patrols around the University lakes and other areas on and off campus.
“I don’t think that’s a good reason not to come, because it could happen anywhere,” Rachal said. “There is still a chance of being murdered, raped or stalked at other schools.”
Fran Flory, women’s volleyball head coach, said when recruiting for her team, safety concerns have been a common thread of discussion in every house she visited.
“They understand it’s not just Baton Rouge, but it could happen anywhere,” she said.
Flory said women who have become more self-aware will reap the benefits in the long run, “but for the wrong reason.”
She has not come across any high school seniors who only will come to LSU if the serial killer is caught, Flory said.
As time passes, however, the factor will become more of an issue for everyone, she said.
The other people Rachal called did not seem worried about the serial killer because they have the attitude that, “it wouldn’t happen to me,” he said.
Mary Beth Elfert, a counselor at St. Joseph’s Academy — an all-girl Catholic high school in Baton Rouge — said there is a general concern in the community about the serial killer, but it will not be a major factor for her students who decide to attend LSU.
Elfert also said, in general, students have not had concerns about living on campus as opposed to living at home.
Andy Benoit, recruiting services associate director, assured potential students the identification cards needed to get into the residence halls help keep students safe.
Benoit said safety is a concern on every campus in America.
Kelli Webber, orientation coordinator, said University Relations or LSUPD will be coming to speak to LSU Ambassadors about how to address safety concerns from incoming freshmen during Spring Testing.
Spring Testing will take place April 2 to 4, said Chloe’ Wiley, an LSU Ambassador.
“It’s a concern, but I’m sure what LSU has to offer outweighs a serial killer,” she said.s