After an intense investigation, it was decided that Lincoln University President John Moseley will be allowed to remain in his position. Following the suicide of Vice President of Student Affairs Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey in January, Moseley was placed on paid leave after allegations of bullying surfaced.
Ultimately, there was no proof that he had bullied Candia-Bailey. “For us, this report is not the end of a process, but rather the beginning of one,” Victor Pasley, president of the university’s Board of Curators, explained in a statement.
“None of its findings have led the Board to doubt President Moseley’s ability to lead the University, but this tragedy has forced us to grapple more fully with issues facing Lincoln and our individual students and employees — ranging from mental health support to employee work and relationships.”
Lincoln University, which is a historically Black college, is located in Missouri. On Jan. 8, Candia-Bailey died by suicide in Illinois. Her mother, Veronica Candia, previously stated that Moseley had fired her daughter just days before death.
She also claimed that Candia-Bailey was depressed and feeling unsupported at her job. Candia-Bailey’s friend Monica Graham said she had received a message from the late administrator the day she died and it included a letter for Moseley.
In the letter, Candia-Bailey said that Moseley had “intentionally harassed and bullied” her. A third party conducted the investigation while Moseley was placed on leave. The Board of Curators stated investigators examined emails, texts and other forms of correspondence.
They also interviewed numerous staff and to figure out if Moseley bullied Candia-Bailey. The allegations were labeled unsubstantiated and that the university didn’t violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“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,” Moseley said regarding the outcome.