“Absolutely awful”: Netizens react to Dr. Bonnie Bailey’s passing amid calls for Lincoln University President’s termination

Tragedy struck on Monday, January 8, when beloved Lincoln University alum and Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Bonnie Bailey, took her own life. Her family stated that her death was the result of "bullying and severe mistreatment." Bailey's sad passing became a catalyst for immediate calls demanding the termination of under-fire Lincoln University president, Dr. John Moseley.

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to topics of self-harm.

Following this, the Lincoln University National Alumni Association President, Sherman Bonds, wrote a letter expressing concern for the "health of the university." Netizens were left heartbroken by the passing of the beloved VP of Student Affairs and paid their condolences. Many asked the question of why a white man was in charge of an HBCU. One Instagram user wrote:

Netizens were left enraged (Image via Instagram/@theshaderoom)

Three days after Bailey's death, the University released a statement writing that the community was "mourning the loss of beloved alum and leader." The Lincoln University statement read:

"She was a gifted colleague and always a passionate advocate for Lincoln University, HBCUs, and other causes in which she believed."

It further added:

"Dr. Bailey had many friends in the Lincoln University community. As a Blue Tiger community, we grieve with them and send our deepest condolences to Dr. Bailey’s family."

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Dr. Bonnie Bailey's death leads netizens to question Lincoln University

The death of the beloved Lincoln University alum, Dr. Antoinette ‘Bonnie’ Candia-Bailey, sent shockwaves down the spines of every single person at Lincoln University, Missouri. HBCU Buzz cited family sources stating that Dr. Bonnie Bailey took her own life after facing "bullying and severe mistreatment" while performing her duties as the Vice President of Student Affairs.

However, according to sources close to Bailey, as cited by HBCU Buzz, Dr. Bonnie Bailey experienced "bullying and harassment" from University President John Mosely but was left "unsupported, disregarded, and abused" after many attempts to speak out about it.

A letter she wrote before her passing detailed the "stigmatized bullying" she faced from the president and leadership after disclosing her mental illness. Multiple emails she sent to the board of curators were obtained by KRCG. The emails show Dr. Bonnie Bailey claiming that her depression and anxiety led to the spiraling of her relationship with the president.

The emails further show her requests for the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She even revealed in the emails that President Moseley had failed to directly address the issues that she had brought up and had instead "intentionally harassed and bullied" her. HBCU Buzz sources were of the opinion that Dr. Bonnie Bailey's "cries for help" were ignored.

#FireMosely trended as the Jefferson community, along with Lincoln alumni, called for the termination of President Mosely. Netizens echoed the same sentiment. People asked why an HBCU was being led by a white man who bullied a black woman into suicide.

People talked about the effects of a toxic workplace and the importance of mental health. Here are a few netizens' reactions to the incident on X.

Protests grew louder as the Board of Curators received a letter from Lincoln University National Alumni Association President, Sherman Bonds. Bonds wrote that the death of Dr. Bonnie Bailey had burdened his belief in the institution with "despair, discontent, and disappointment." Many calls and emails expressed "deep concern for the university's well-being."

Bonds lamented about finding himself in a state of "hopelessness" and appealed to the board to "find a resolution that restores peace and healing." He stated that the present administration was becoming a "liability" to the mission and health of the institution. Sherman Bonds wrote:

"As the President of the Lincoln University (National) Alumni Association, I am compelled to demand an immediate change in the Office of the Presidency. The Board of Curators has a fiduciary responsibility to protect the institution's mission and brand."

He added:

"Today, along with many others, we assert this appeal to you and the Board. We, the community, family members, friends, and alumni, seek a path to healing."

Bonds stated that it was time for a "change in leadership" and that people must be held accountable for what occurs under their watch.