San Antonio, Texas, November 27, 2025
Manuel Diaz, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, is embroiled in a legal controversy after being accused of sexual voyeurism by a former student. The lawsuit alleges that Diaz improperly used a hotel peephole to observe Edith Estrada-Contreras during a business trip. Estrada-Contreras is seeking compensation for emotional damages and lost job opportunities, while Diaz initially denied but later admitted to the conduct following witness statements. The case emphasizes the broader issue of sexual misconduct in academic settings.
San Antonio, Texas
University of Texas Professor Caught in Legal Controversy
University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) engineering professor Manuel Diaz is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual exploitation and voyeurism by a former student and current employee, Edith Estrada-Contreras. The incident reportedly occurred during a business trip to Houston in September 2025.
Allegations and Lawsuit Details
According to the lawsuit filed on November 19, 2025, Diaz, who also owns Star Engineering Group, Inc., is accused of “sexual voyeurism and exploitation” of Estrada-Contreras. The suit alleges that during the trip, Diaz reversed the peephole in her hotel room door, allowing him to observe her without consent. Witnesses, including a hotel clerk and another guest, reported seeing Diaz looking through the peephole into her room. Estrada-Contreras confronted Diaz, who initially denied the allegations but later admitted to the actions after learning of the witnesses. The next day, Diaz reportedly emailed Estrada-Contreras, apologizing for his behavior and seeking forgiveness. Estrada-Contreras is seeking monetary relief over $250,000 but less than $1 million. UTSA and Star Engineering Group have not responded to requests for comment as of November 26, 2025.
Background Information
Manuel Diaz has been a professor at UTSA for 26 years, specializing in civil and environmental engineering and construction management. Prior to this incident, there have been no publicly reported allegations against him. Edith Estrada-Contreras, 23, was a top scholar at UTSA with a 4.0 GPA and served as Diaz’s student in two engineering courses before joining his company. The lawsuit claims that Diaz’s actions have caused her emotional and professional damages, including the loss of her first engineering job.
Legal Context
Sexual exploitation and voyeurism are serious offenses that can lead to significant legal consequences, including civil lawsuits and potential criminal charges. In this case, the lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for emotional pain and suffering, as well as damages for past and future lost pay and benefits. The outcome of the lawsuit will depend on the legal proceedings and the evidence presented in court.
Related Incidents
This case adds to a series of similar allegations involving university professors. For instance, in 2017, Ricardo Romo, the president of UTSA at the time, resigned after an investigation into his conduct regarding how he greeted women in his office. Additionally, in 2018, Henri Grissino-Mayer, a tenured faculty member at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, resigned amid sexual misconduct accusations by current and former students. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about sexual misconduct within academic institutions.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Professor Manuel Diaz underscores the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the need for institutions to address allegations of sexual misconduct promptly and effectively. The legal proceedings will determine the validity of the claims and any potential consequences for those involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the allegations against Professor Manuel Diaz?
Professor Manuel Diaz is accused of “sexual voyeurism and exploitation” of Edith Estrada-Contreras during a business trip to Houston in September 2025. The lawsuit alleges that Diaz reversed the peephole in her hotel room door, allowing him to observe her without consent. Witnesses reported seeing Diaz looking through the peephole into her room. Diaz initially denied the allegations but later admitted to the actions after learning of the witnesses. The next day, he reportedly emailed Estrada-Contreras, apologizing for his behavior and seeking forgiveness. Estrada-Contreras is seeking monetary relief over $250,000 but less than $1 million. UTSA and Star Engineering Group have not responded to requests for comment as of November 26, 2025.
What is the background of the individuals involved?
Manuel Diaz has been a professor at UTSA for 26 years, specializing in civil and environmental engineering and construction management. Prior to this incident, there have been no publicly reported allegations against him. Edith Estrada-Contreras, 23, was a top scholar at UTSA with a 4.0 GPA and served as Diaz’s student in two engineering courses before joining his company. The lawsuit claims that Diaz’s actions have caused her emotional and professional damages, including the loss of her first engineering job.
What are the potential legal consequences of these allegations?
Sexual exploitation and voyeurism are serious offenses that can lead to significant legal consequences, including civil lawsuits and potential criminal charges. In this case, the lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for emotional pain and suffering, as well as damages for past and future lost pay and benefits. The outcome of the lawsuit will depend on the legal proceedings and the evidence presented in court.
Have there been similar incidents involving university professors?
Yes, there have been similar incidents involving university professors. For example, in 2017, Ricardo Romo, the president of UTSA at the time, resigned after an investigation into his conduct regarding how he greeted women in his office. Additionally, in 2018, Henri Grissino-Mayer, a tenured faculty member at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, resigned amid sexual misconduct accusations by current and former students. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about sexual misconduct within academic institutions.
What steps are being taken to address these allegations?
The lawsuit against Professor Manuel Diaz underscores the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the need for institutions to address allegations of sexual misconduct promptly and effectively. The legal proceedings will determine the validity of the claims and any potential consequences for those involved. UTSA and Star Engineering Group have not responded to requests for comment as of November 26, 2025.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Allegations | Sexual voyeurism and exploitation by Professor Manuel Diaz during a business trip to Houston in September 2025. |
| Victim | Edith Estrada-Contreras, a former student and current employee of Diaz’s engineering firm. |
| Lawsuit Filed | November 19, 2025, seeking monetary relief over $250,000 but less than $1 million. |
| Witnesses | Hotel clerk and another guest reported seeing Diaz looking through the peephole into Estrada-Contreras’s room. |
| Professor’s Response | Initially denied allegations but later admitted after learning of witnesses; reportedly emailed Estrada-Contreras apologizing for his behavior. |
| University’s Response | UTSA and Star Engineering Group have not responded to requests for comment as of November 26, 2025. |
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