For those who are asking...here is Mollie's original e-mail:

Bruin Family,

It is with a heavy heart and extreme devastation, I am writing to let you who know that as of Friday, May 17th, 2019, I am no longer employed by UCLA. As a triple legacy Bruin and after 20 years of service and 24 years on campus, I have been terminated from my role as Director, UCLA Bruin Traditions.  

My termination is a result of an investigation by UCLA’s Title IX Office regarding an incident in Las Vegas in November. I have also been accused of mismanagement of the Spirit Squad program and not following a directive from the Director of the Alumni Association, Julie Sina. I categorically deny the allegations against me and object to the excessive penalty of termination. As I trust you know, I have always exercised the utmost levels of support, advocacy, protection, and security for the scholar athletes I was entrusted to lead. I have also worked diligently to represent the University with the highest level of pride, spirit, and respect for long-standing Bruin traditions.

Throughout the lengthy and painful investigation, my UCLA identity was stripped from me. I was not allowed on campus or permitted to communicate with anyone affiliated with UCLA. My work cell phone and email were deleted. I feel that I have been in a dark and deep hole without water and air.

While I have been respectful of the process and maintained my professional grace, this has rocked my family and me to our core. The biased investigations are outrageous and shameful and have been grossly mishandled. I firmly believe I have been wrongly accused and targeted in an unfair, egregious, and vindictive manner. I feel strongly that the University’s reaction is, in part, a reflection of the times and realities of today’s culture.  However, I am confident in my innocence related to the accusations. I am confident in my positive impact on over 500 students and the Spirit Squad program throughout the years. 

I am sharing this news in an email because I wanted to let everyone who loves and supports me and my family what I have been facing over the past six months. I have to admit that it has been one of my life’s most significant challenges. I still cannot wrap my head around the University’s radical reaction and disrespectful treatment. It is incredibly hard for me to talk, write, read, and hear about this. I sincerely appreciate your support, and I am confident that my strength through family, friends and faith will carry me through this significant transition...not only for my career but for my family’s lifestyle and deep-rooted commitment to UCLA.  

At this time and in light of pending litigation to pursue my reinstatement, I respectfully ask for you to not connect with me, Derek or the children about anything related to my termination. The kids are well informed, but sharing the update with them was one of the most heartbreaking and emotional moments I have experienced as a mother. This is a significant loss for our family. We are working hard to maintain a regular routine in the home. I greatly appreciate your support during this difficult time in my life.

I loved my job. I loved our students. I loved the UCLA community, and I loved giving back to my alma mater as a proud Bruin.  

I STILL love and support our students. I STILL love the UCLA community, and I feel immense gratitude for all of the incredible opportunities and relationships I have had throughout my 24 years with the University.  

I AM and ALWAYS WILL BE a proud Bruin alumna.  

 

Sincerely,

Mollie Q. Vehling