UConn Fires Stamford Campus History Professor After Sexual Harassment Investigation

STORRS/STAMFORD, CT — The University of Connecticut has terminated Ricardo Salazar-Rey, an associate professor of history at its Stamford campus, following an investigation that found he engaged in sexual harassment of an undergraduate student, according to an Oct. 20 disciplinary letter from Senior Vice Provost Amy Gorin.

Teacher disciplinary documents are public record, per state Freedom of Information law.

The university said the professor's communications with the student between Feb. 12 and April 18, 2026, became increasingly personal and romantic, extending beyond academic matters and creating what investigators determined was a hostile educational environment.

The termination letter said the university’s Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights found that the frequency, tone and content of the communications, along with the faculty-student power dynamic and their impact on the student, constituted a "hostile" environment sexual harassment.

UConn said Salazar-Rey’s employment was terminated immediately for serious misconduct. His health benefits are scheduled to end Nov. 1, according to the letter.

The investigation found that Salazar-Rey and the student exchanged frequent messages about personal topics, including relationships, trust, love, happiness and their shared desire for a partner and family. They also shared music and other digital content reflecting similar themes, according to the letter.

Investigators determined the communications became unwelcome as they increased in frequency and became more personal and romantic.

The termination letter said Gorin agreed with the investigation's findings and the recommendation for dismissal from Associate Dean Manuela Wagner and Stamford Campus Dean Jennifer Orlikoff.

Prior Disciplinary Actions

The university cited two previous disciplinary actions involving similar conduct.

According to the letter, Salazar-Rey received a letter of reprimand in March 2020 for inappropriate interactions with an undergraduate student and violations of student privacy rules under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

In March 2023, he received a 15-day suspension for pursuing an amorous relationship with an undergraduate student, the letter said.

Gorin wrote that the recurrence of similar conduct despite prior disciplinary action raised concerns about Salazar-Rey's judgment and ability to comply with university expectations.

Professor Acknowledges A Pattern Of Behavior

During an Oct. 16 appeal hearing, Salazar-Rey acknowledged his behavior was part of a pattern rather than an isolated incident and accepted responsibility for his actions, according to the letter.

He attributed some of his behavior to personal and family challenges, including difficulties related to the sale of his family’s farm in Guatemala and concerns about his parents.

He also acknowledged improperly seeking emotional support and personal connections within the university community and said he recognized the need to develop support networks outside UConn.

However, Salazar-Rey continued to dispute the investigation’s findings, maintaining that his conduct was not inappropriate because he did not intend to pursue a romantic relationship with the student, according to Gorin’s account of the hearing.

Gorin said Salazar-Rey did not provide sufficient assurances that similar misconduct would not happen again. His stated intentions to build relationships outside the university and avoid seeking personal support from members of the UConn community did not include concrete safeguards or accountability measures, the letter said.

Union Process And Potential Appeal

The university began disciplinary proceedings in August, when Wagner and Orlikoff notified Salazar-Rey that he faced significant disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

His union representative, David Amdur, associate director of UConn-AAUP, requested a hearing Sept. 1. A hearing took place Sept. 16, and Wagner and Orlikoff recommended termination Oct. 2. Amdur appealed that recommendation the same day, leading to the Oct. 16 hearing before Gorin.

The termination letter said the dismissal may be appealed to arbitration on its merits, subject to the approval and participation of UConn-AAUP.

Because the university classified the dismissal as being for serious misconduct, Salazar-Rey is not eligible for continued salary or benefits, according to the letter.

The university also directed him to arrange to retrieve any personal property remaining on campus and return university equipment in his possession.