Editor’s Note
An incorrect quote was removed from this article after publishing.
JEFFERSON CITY — A day dedicated to celebrating 158 years as an institution was overshadowed by continued protests regarding the death of former Lincoln University administrator Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey.
The LU Board of Curators met Thursday afternoon for an open session meeting.
Before the meeting, LU’s Founders’ Day Convocation took place celebrating the university’s founding by the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries in January 1866.
At the celebration, student protesters held signs saying, “Break the Silence,” “Karma is a Beast and It Never Expires,” and “Justice 4 Bonnie.”
Students left the celebration as Dr. Ivory Toldson, the keynote speaker and NAACP director for education innovation and research, began to speak.
Students told KOMU 8 that they are disappointed in the lack of sympathy and feel that the university has let bullying go without repercussion in the past.
“This is not the first time that a faculty or staff member has been bullied. I as a student have been bullied myself,” Falon Ensley, former president of LU’s Student Government Association (SGA) said.
President Dr. John B. Moseley was placed on paid administrative leave Jan. 12 after facing calls for removal following Candia-Bailey’s death by suicide.
Students said they believe the Board of Curators, who Moseley reported to, knew about the situation and did not do enough before or after Candia-Bailey’s death.
Before she died, Candia-Bailey allegedly sent an email to Moseley, alumni and other faculty, that included accusations against Moseley of bullying and harassment.
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The Board of Curators have since hired an outside law firm to lead a review of the allegations. Board President Victor Pasley told meeting attendees that the results of that review will be available in the next few weeks.
As for where the university can go from here, students said it starts with a change of leadership.
“Strong leaders that we don’t have,” Ensley said.
“We want to be involved with who is coming in, conduct interviews and get to know them and know what their intentions are to making improvements to our student body,” current student Tyree Stovall said.
“We also want to know, are you on our side, to advocate for us, are you going to leave when things get tough,” Kenlyn Washington, current SGA president said.
Protesters later made their way back to Scruggs University Center, where the Board of Curators’ open session took place.
At the session, acting President Dr. Stevie Lawrence told the students that he understands their concerns and is looking forward to working with them to address conflict within the university.
The meeting was mostly cordial. Students asked Lawrence and Curators for a list of actions going forward:
- Meetings with the SGA once a month,
- Student involvement in the hiring of faculty and staff,
- Action to address student housing on campus.
Lawrence told students he looked forward to working with them in the future.