CCSU Responds to Allegations of Theater Professor's Sexual Misconduct

Central Connecticut State University President Zulma R. Toro has issued a statement following recent allegations of a faculty member's sexual misconduct.

According to FOX61, Toro spoke out regarding the alleged sexual misconduct of theater professor Joshua Perlstein. Her response follows the publication of an article from CCSU's The Recorder, which details the allegations.

The Recorder piece focuses on the student Anna Brewer, who experienced unwelcome and inappropriate sexual advances from Perlstein in 2004. Brewer was 21 at the time and reported the faculty member's behavior. An investigation was held in which several more faculty and students have come forward with allegations against Perlstein.

"What I read in the article is truly disturbing and surprising to me," Toro says in the statement. "It does not represent who we are as a public institution of higher education." Toro then clarified the university's no-tolerance policy when is comes to sexual misconduct. She has requested a review of the CCSU Sexual Harassment Policy and ordered a thorough investigation into the reports.

Perlstein has said that there was a previous, concluded investigation and that he will cooperate were there to be another. He remains a faculty member at CCSU.

Read Toro's full statement in the FOX61 report here. The Recorder piece can be found here.