The Jefferson City, MO community is urging the swift removal of Lincoln University President, Dr. John Moseley, following the untimely death of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey on January 8th.
Officially confirmed by family sources, Dr. Bailey tragically took her own life, citing distress caused by “bullying and severe mistreatment” in her position as VP of Student Affairs at Lincoln University Missouri.
According to HBCU BUZZ Also, in a statement provided by the Lincoln University National Alumni Association, President Sherman Bonds addressed to LU Board of Curators, President Victor Pasley the “repeated calls and emails expressing dire concern for the health of the university.”
“…I find myself standing in the state of hopelessness,” President Bonds stated. “Therefore, my appeal to you and the Board of Curators is to find a resolution that restores the consciousness of peace and healing. As President of the Lincoln University (National) Alumni Association, I have become compelled to demand a change in the Office of Presidency of the University effective immediately.”
Lincoln University officially released a statement three days after Dr. Bailey’s passing. In a Facebook post, the university writes: “The Lincoln University community is mourning the loss of beloved alum and leader Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey. Dr. Bailey passed away earlier this week.
She was a gifted colleague and always a passionate advocate for Lincoln University, HBCUs and other causes in which she believed.”
Dr. John B. Moseley has served as Lincoln University‘s 21st president since January 2022. Before then, Dr. Moseley served as the Head Basketball Coach for LU before joining leadership as the Director of Athletics in 2015.
Sources state that Dr. Bailey was left “unsupported, disregarded, and abused after countless attempts to speak out on the bullying and harassment she experienced in her role from President Moseley.” Dr. Bailey also reportedly discussed in a letter before her passing, the “stigmatized bullying she faced from the President and other leadership officials,” after disclosing her mental illness to the university.
Sources tell us that administration failed Dr. Bailey in her “cries for help” and should “no longer be allowed to lead Lincoln University.”
The Jefferson community is now rallying for accountability, utilizing the hashtag, #FireMoseley to help raise awareness and shed light on the beloved VP alumni’s tragic passing.
A black woman VP at Lincoln University died by suicide as a result of bullying and workplace harassment for the president! Please share this post!!! https://t.co/FrD3HK7OF4
— grace jones (@TheBlackLayers) January 11, 2024
And
So #LincolnUniversity had this white man as president for one whole year & he done cost someone their life. Wow. pic.twitter.com/FCgQtmqnSr
— So Basically Naw (@basiK_PHenomena) January 12, 2024
And
I looked at the Board of Curators at Lincoln University of Missouri. The President of the Board is a Black Man with the majority of the board being Black with three white men as the minority.
I don’t even know how to process this.
— Je'lon Alexander, M.A. (@JelonAlexander) January 12, 2024
And
We should not stop calling for Dr. Moseley to be removed from Lincoln University. His resignation should be on the desk as of today.
Students ask we use #FireMoseley
— Donate to local food banks (@TiphSeven) January 11, 2024
Sad.
