As Central Connecticut State University officials continue investigating sexual misconduct allegations made against a professor, the university is now changing the way the complaints are handled.
The changes, which are meant to enhance protections for students, faculty and staff, take effect this week.
In a letter to students, university CCSU President Zulma Toro said there is no longer a time limit for filing a complaint. Previously, a complaint had to be filed within 90 days.
CCSU student Amy Carlson feels relieved the university is taking action.
“Sometimes, when it happens, it might be too soon and nobody wants to talk about it within the 90 days. So how are they supposed to get the guidance that they need if they’re still coping with it?” she said.
The Offices of Human Resources, Diversity & Equality, and University Counsel will also now save all records, even if the state says they can be destroyed.
Mathew Callahan, a student, agrees with the change.
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“It’s definitely necessary to hold onto that for as long as possible, because you never know when these women are going to come out and finally be able to say, ‘This happened to me,’” he said.
The changes come after a theater professor, Joshua Perlstein, multiple former students or staff accused him of impropriety.
He’s on administrative leave and told NBC Connecticut he’s cooperating fully with the university.
“You hate to see anything like that,” Jameson Steinhart, a student, said. “Especially on a university like this, very prestigious. I like to think it’s a safe campus.”
The university is forming a task force to examine issues related to reporting these complaints.
“We have so much more work to do, but this is a start in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff,” Toro said.
