*Lincoln University of Missouri’s President John Moseley was reinstated after an investigation found no substantiated claims that he bullied former vice president of student affairs, Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey.
A third-party inquiry was conducted after the January suicide of Candia-Bailey, a Black woman and a university alum. We reported earlier, citing HBCU Buzz, that she took her own life on January 8 due to distress from being “unsupported, disregarded, and abused after countless attempts to speak out on the bullying and harassment she experienced in her role from President Moseley.”
Moseley, a white male, faced calls to resign amid protests from the Jefferson City community. He allegedly failed to support Bailey during her “cries for help.” Students at the HBCU said Moseley should “no longer be allowed to lead.” They created the #FireMoseley hashtag to increase awareness about Candia-Bailey’s suicide.
“There is not a lot I can say about the independent report and its findings, but I am grateful to the Board of Curators for their faith in me and their vote of confidence,” said Moseley in a statement Thursday, ABC News reports.
On Jan. 8, VP of Student Affairs at Lincoln University (MO) Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey died by suicide due to distress from “bullying & severe mistreatment” in her role.
The community is now calling for the termination of President Dr. Moseley.
A thread ⬇️ #HBCUBUZZ pic.twitter.com/6C1dOcJLWI
— HBCU Buzz (@HBCUBuzz) January 11, 2024
“The Board advised me of the report’s findings a week ago, and I’ve had time to reflect and to discuss my future and that of the University with my family and members of the Lincoln University community,” Moseley added.
ABC News obtained a Jan. 8 letter addressed to Moseley in which Candia-Bailey said she experienced months of harassment and bullying from her white colleagues while under Moseley’s leadership.
Here’s more from ABC News:
In her letter to Moseley, Candia-Bailey cited a meeting she says the two had: “I couldn’t even finish the meeting because you didn’t hear me. I left in tears. You intentionally harassed and bullied me and got satisfaction from sitting back to determine how you would ensure I failed as an employee and proud alumna.”
Candia-Bailey began working at Lincoln University, a historically Black university in Jefferson City, Missouri, in May 2023. She received a termination letter on Jan. 3. The letter stated that she was terminated for cause, including allegations of insubordination in allowing an ineligible student to work, allowing ineligible students to obtain a discounted housing rate and failing to adhere to confidentiality requirements in a grievance matter filed by two of her subordinates.
THE CULPRIT.
Dr. John Moseley.
I remember asking then why a white man was presiding over an HBCU and I’ll be hot damned.
Fire his ass. #FireMoseley https://t.co/OlzImNEcbg pic.twitter.com/0GTHvsgI4J
— J✨ (@jonthemarq) January 11, 2024
Lincoln University released a statement three days after Candia-Bailey’s passing: “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.”
The school’s Board of Curators turned to “a third-party expert to fully review potential personnel issues and concerns recently raised regarding compliance with the University’s established policies and procedures,” read the university’s statement to ABC News.
After the investigation cleared Moseley of any wrongdoing, he said he is looking “forward to returning from administrative leave to resume my duties as President.”
READ MORE: LU’s VP of Student Affairs Commits Suicide After ‘Bullying and Severe Mistreatment’
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