UCL’s Richard Mole resigns from role as Director of SSEES for remainder of semester

Professor Richard Mole has resigned from his position as Head of SSEES (School of Slavonic and East European Studies) at University College London (UCL) for the remainder of this semester.

Professor Mole has faced backlash recently following the release of a video by UCL Stand for Justice, in which he can be heard telling a student she is a “coward” and that “no man would want to touch” her, during a pro-Palestine demonstration last November. 

The viral video, which has now racked up over 328,000 views on Instagram, also showed the professor pushing a female protester who is walking past the filming student. 

The student filming asked Richard Mole why he is following them, saying: “Why are you following us? Stay back, please.” To which, Professor Mole responded: “Because I am the director of this school”. 

Professor Mole has apologised for his actions, calling them “unacceptable”.

In a statement provided by Professor Mole, he said: “I fully accept and understand that my remarks and actions were completely unacceptable and I whole-heartedly apologise to those affected.

“My words and actions on this occasion do not reflect my values and this is something I deeply regret and apologise for.”

Sabbatical officers from the Students’ Union issued a statement regarding Professor Mole’s actions which they called “sexist and misogynistic”, noting they were “completely shocked and appalled” at the situation.

They also said: “We condemn his actions in the strongest possible terms, what has happened is totally unacceptable.”

Adding: “We have written to UCL to urge them to reopen their investigation of the November 2024 incident considering this new video. 

Most Read

Reporters issue apology after backlash following ‘rude’ Grammys interview with Babyface

People have worked out the ‘real reason’ so many Islanders are quitting All Stars

Good lord, Bonnie Blue opened up about what Beavo was like in bed and I’m traumatised

“Women should feel safe on campus, and seeing a member of staff in a position of power treat a student in this way has understandably shaken students’ trust in our institution.”

According to The Cheese Grater, Professor Mole issued an email to SSEES students to apologise for his actions, saying that he expresses “regret” for them. He explained that he was “disrupted by protestors”, in what was “a very tense and stressful situation”.

Professor Mole further explained that the police were called but that “there are no circumstances that excuse my actions or the comments I made to one of the protestors”.

The email also confirmed that Professor Simon Dixon will be taking over his role temporarily for the remainder of this term. However, according to a UCL spokesperson, Professor Mole still remains employed at the university. 

In a statement, a UCL spokesperson told The London Tab: “Professor Mole’s actions were clearly unacceptable, something that he himself fully acknowledges. This video was taken during a protest at an event in SSEES in November 2024. The incident has been investigated through our established processes, which remain confidential.”

Featured image via Instagram