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Following a months-long investigation into the misconduct, President Zulma R. Toro announced Tuesday, Jan. 22 that she plans to fire the two longtime professors for allegedly having inappropriate relationships with more than one student, according to WFSB Eyewitness News 3.
Toro said she also plans to revamp the university’s human resources department after the investigation found the department did little to respond or take action on any complaints of sexual misconduct.
The two professors, Joshua Perlstein, who has worked for the college since 1992, was placed on leave in April of last year, and Thomas Delventhal, hired in 1998, was placed on leave last week.
“I am disgusted and disheartened by the new findings indicating two of our professors repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior with their students,” Toro said in a statement. “Also disturbing are the apparent failures by administrators who, over the years, did not protect our students. The findings pinpoint vital changes that are needed to ensure past misbehaviors, mistakes, and inaction are not repeated at this university.”
The law firm Shipman & Goodwin LLP began the investigation nine months ago after an article in the student newspaper alleged misconduct by Perlstein, the news station said.
The investigation uncovered alleged significant evidence that Perlstein was likely involved in sexual misconduct with several students, including one that continued after a student graduated.
It also found that he had a questionable history with female students, and was untruthful about his action in order to keep his job.
During the investigation, Delventhal, allegedly admitted kissing five students on the neck and/or forehead, but denied he engaged in any relationships, the report said.
Toro said she is following the collective bargaining rule to get rid of both professors.
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