UConn Stamford Professor Placed on Leave
The University of Connecticut removed a history professor from duty following sexual harassment allegations.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Sex Life
On April 28, 2026, the University of Connecticut placed history professor Ricardo Salazar-Rey on administrative leave. The action followed a student report alleging the professor sent inappropriate text messages.
Why it matters
The university is investigating claims of prohibited amorous relationships and sexual harassment to determine if university policies were violated. This case follows two prior misconduct investigations involving the same professor.
Ricardo Salazar-Rey earned an annual salary of $69,636 in 2025. He previously received a 15-day unpaid suspension following a prior misconduct investigation.
The players
Ricardo Salazar-Rey
He is a history professor at the University of Connecticut Stamford campus.
University of Connecticut
This public research university system employs faculty and staff across multiple campuses in Connecticut.
The details
The professor allegedly encouraged students to contact him via text message instead of email, eventually using the platform to call a student his soulmate. The university launched the probe after the student contacted the Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights in early April 2026.
Timeline
The university conducted misconduct investigations in 2019 and 2023.
The professor began texting the student in February 2026.
The student reported the professor in early April 2026.
The professor began his administrative leave on April 28, 2026.
Culture Shift
The university is navigating the procedures outlined in Article 27 of the faculty collective bargaining agreement as it evaluates the professor's conduct. This investigation reflects a broader institutional trend of stricter enforcement of anti-harassment policies in academic settings.
Students at the Stamford campus should be aware of official communication protocols encouraged by the university to maintain appropriate boundaries. This situation may lead to changes in how students and faculty interact or report concerns regarding professional conduct.
The takeaway
Maintaining professional boundaries is essential for ensuring a safe learning environment in higher education. Students should utilize established university reporting channels if they experience inappropriate communication from faculty members.
Further reading
For more on institutional relationship policies, visit the Sex Life section.
