Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey’s Death Sparks Outrage and Protest Against Lincoln University President
The death of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, the vice president of Student Affairs at Lincoln University in Missouri, has shaken the university community and beyond. Dr. Bailey, who was a 1998 graduate of Lincoln University, took her own life on January 8, 2024, after allegedly suffering from bullying and harassment by the university’s president, Dr. John Moseley.
Her suicide has sparked a wave of outrage and grief among students, alumni, and other stakeholders, who are now demanding the removal of Moseley and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Bailey’s death.
Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey – A Beloved Leader and a Passionate Advocate
Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey was known for her dedication and commitment to the students she served, as well as her love for Lincoln University and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
She joined the university as the vice president of Student Affairs in 2023, after serving in various leadership roles at other institutions, such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Winston-Salem State University, and North Carolina Central University.
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She had a doctorate in higher education administration from Morgan State University, a master’s degree in counseling from Lincoln University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
In the wake of the news of our sister colleague Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey: I’m Just taking a moment to check on my sisters in the academy: pls reach out if you need support!
— Black Mommy Activist, PhD🎙 (@kayewhitehead) January 12, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and community of Dr. Bailey. It has… pic.twitter.com/hI4c4CnP06
Dr. Bailey was described by her colleagues and friends as a gifted, compassionate, and inspiring leader, who always advocated for the best interests of the students and the university.
She was involved in many initiatives and programs that aimed to enhance the student experience, such as the Student Success Center, the Student Emergency Fund, the Student Leadership Academy, and the Student Government Association. She was also a mentor and a role model for many students, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds.
Dr. Antoinette’s impact was felt far beyond the university, as she was also an active member of the Jefferson City community, where Lincoln University is located. She was a board member of the United Way of Central Missouri, a member of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She was also a devout Christian, who attended the Second Baptist Church and sang in the choir.
Bailey’s life and work were celebrated by the university and the community, even as they mourned her untimely passing. A candlelight vigil was held on January 11, 2024, at the university’s quad, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects and share their memories of Dr. Bailey. A memorial service was also held on January 15, 2024, at the Second Baptist Church, where Dr. Bailey’s family, friends, colleagues, and students honored her legacy and expressed their condolences.
A Disturbing Allegation and a Demand for Accountability
While the university and the community grieved the loss of Dr. Bailey, a disturbing allegation emerged that suggested that her suicide was not an isolated incident, but a result of a toxic and hostile work environment created by the university’s president, Dr. John Moseley.
According to multiple sources, Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey had sent several emails to Moseley and the Board of Curators of the university, requesting a leave of absence through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), citing that she was suffering from severe stress and anxiety caused by Moseley’s treatment of her.
She also accused Moseley of intentionally harassing and bullying her, causing her enough harm and mental damage. However, her requests were denied, and she was told that the Board of Curators did not engage in the management of personnel issues and would not take any further action related to her situation.
After Lincoln U. of MO VP of Student Affairs, Dr. Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey died by suicide on Monday, students have been protesting University President Dr. John Moseley. They are meeting with the LU Chief of Police to have their questions and concerns answered today. pic.twitter.com/gI1T20MQ0v
— Lauren Turman KRCG 13 (@laurenturmantv1) January 12, 2024
These emails, which were leaked to the media and the public, sparked a wave of outrage and protest from students, alumni, and other stakeholders, who accused Moseley of abusing his power and mistreating Dr. Bailey, as well as other faculty and staff members. They also criticized the Board of Curators for failing to protect Dr. Bailey and address her concerns, and for being complicit in Moseley’s actions.
They demanded that Moseley resign or be fired, and that the Board of Curators conduct a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Bailey’s death, as well as the allegations of bullying and harassment by Moseley. They also called for a review of the university’s policies and procedures regarding personnel issues, and for the implementation of measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The protest against Moseley and the Board of Curators took various forms, such as petitions, letters, social media campaigns, rallies, and marches. One of the most prominent and vocal groups that led the protest was the Lincoln University Alumni Association (LUAA), which represents more than 20,000 alumni of the university.
The LUAA issued a statement on January 12, 2024, expressing its grief and anger over Dr. Bailey’s death, and calling for Moseley’s immediate removal and a thorough investigation. The statement also urged the alumni to withhold any financial contributions to the university until the demands were met, and to contact the Board of Curators and the Missouri governor to voice their concerns.
Another group that joined the protest was the Student Government Association (SGA), which represents the student body of the university. The SGA issued a statement on January 13, 2024, expressing its sorrow and solidarity with Dr. Bailey’s family and friends, and calling for justice and accountability. The statement also announced that the SGA would organize a march on January 18, 2024, from the university’s campus to the Missouri State Capitol, where they would deliver a letter to the governor and the legislators, demanding their intervention and support.
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A Temporary Resolution and a Hope for Change
In response to the growing pressure and scrutiny, the university’s Board of Curators announced on January 14, 2024, that it had decided to place Moseley on paid administrative leave, while it engaged a third-party expert to fully review the potential personnel issues and concerns raised regarding the compliance with the university’s established policies and procedures.
The Board of Curators also stated that Moseley had volunteered to be placed on leave, and that it would appoint an interim president to lead the university during the review process. The Board of Curators expressed its commitment to ensuring the well-being and success of the university community, and to addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.
The announcement of Moseley’s leave was met with mixed reactions from the protesters, who welcomed the decision as a temporary resolution, but also expressed their dissatisfaction and skepticism, as they felt that it was not enough to address the gravity and urgency of the situation. They reiterated their demands for Moseley’s permanent removal and a thorough investigation, and vowed to continue their protest until their demands were met. They also expressed their hope for change and improvement at the university, and their desire to honor Dr. Bailey’s memory and legacy.
The situation at Lincoln University is still unfolding, and the outcome of the review and the investigation is yet to be determined. However, one thing is clear: the death of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey has exposed a deep and serious problem at the university, and has galvanized a movement for change and justice.
Her tragic loss has also reminded the university and the community of the importance and value of her life and work, and of the need to protect and support the leaders and the students who make the university what it is. As the Lincoln University community mourns and protests, it also hopes and strives for a better and brighter future.
