Vestavia Hills High School graduate posed as Stanford University student, lived in dorm for 10 months
A Vestavia Hills High School graduate posed as a Stanford University student for 10 months, living at several college dorms while harassing female students, according to media reports.
William Curry, a 2021 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, was removed from Stanford last week after it was revealed he lived in the basement of one of the university’s dorms for weeks, according to the Stanford Daily, the university’s student newspaper.
University officials allegedly knew of Curry’s deception since December, the Daily reported, adding that the Birmingham native lived in five dorms between then and last week.
Dee Mostofi, a Stanford spokeswoman, told the San Francisco Chronicle that the university’s Department of Public Safety cited Curry the first time he was found living in a dorm and have since gathered “multiple” stay-away letters — which are needed before citing a person for trespassing on campus — but were unable to locate him until Thursday.
“While Stanford University has protocols and policies in place to prevent non-students from entering and living in our residences, the unique aspects of this case and Mr. Curry’s persistence and ability to ingratiate himself with our student community has made it clear that gaps exist in those protocols,” read a statement from Stanford officials, according to the Chronicle.
“We will immediately undertake a review to ensure our procedures do not allow for this type of incident to happen again.”
Curry reportedly ingratiated himself with Stanford students, including resident advisors who assumed Curry belonged at the dorms and figured they didn’t get an updated roster.
He allegedly told several stories, including that he was a member of the Stanford track team — carrying a Stanford Track & Field backpack around campus –and was a transfer student from Duke University.
While living in the dorms, Curry reportedly dated a Stanford student. When they broke up in June, Curry stalked and harassed the student, allegedly hacking her iMessage account, the Daily reported.
Meanwhile, other female students claimed Curry tried to break into their rooms.