HOUSTON — Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University’s accreditation is currently under review by the International Association for Biblical Education (IABE), according to a notice posted on the accrediting organization’s website.
The notice states, “This institution is currently undergoing a review and verification process in accordance with IABE policies and procedures. The institution’s accreditation remains active pending the completion of the review.”
The development comes amid allegations made by Dr. Matthews involving university founder Dr. Verna Caddie. In a public statement, Dr. Matthews said she filed a complaint with the accrediting organization and emphasized that the complaint was submitted under her own name rather than anonymously.
PUBLIC STATEMENT
I want to address the public directly regarding my decision to file a complaint concerning Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University and Dr. Verna Caddie.
First, I did not file my complaint anonymously. I put my name on it because I have absolutely nothing to hide. I stand behind every concern that I submitted and I believe in transparency, accountability, and allowing the proper review process to take place. If concerns are raised, they should be evaluated on their merits and not ignored because they are inconvenient.
The public should also know that before I filed my complaint, I received a demand letter seeking $20,000 and threatening further legal action. I was also later sued. Despite those actions, I chose not to be intimidated, silenced, or pressured into abandoning my right to ask questions and report concerns through the appropriate channels.
What I will not do is be shaken down for $20,000 because I exercised my right to speak up. What I will not do is be bullied into silence because someone disagrees with me. And what I will not do is allow threats of litigation to stop me from pursuing accountability through lawful and proper processes.
Rather than being intimidated, I submitted my concerns to the accrediting body. The accrediting organization acknowledged receipt of my complaint and initiated its review and verification process. That process now belongs to the appropriate authorities, and I respect their ability to evaluate the information objectively and fairly.
I also want to make it clear that I am not the only person who has concerns. Others have indicated that they intend to submit their own complaints and supporting documentation. Every individual has the right to present information to the appropriate oversight bodies and allow those entities to determine what action, if any, is warranted.
This is not about personal feelings. This is not about retaliation. This is about accountability. When institutions seek public trust, they should also be willing to answer public questions. Transparency should never be feared by organizations that have nothing to hide.
As a nationally known activist and advocate, I have spent years encouraging people to use the proper channels when they believe wrongdoing has occurred. I would be a hypocrite if I refused to do the same. Therefore, I followed the process, submitted my concerns, and will allow that process to run its course.
The facts will speak for themselves. The evidence will speak for itself. The review process will speak for itself.
No demand letter, lawsuit, threat, or financial pressure will stop me from standing on truth, transparency, and accountability.
Accountability breeds responsibility.
— Dr. Candice Matthews
Nationally Renowned Human & Civil Rights Activist, Author and Advocate
Dr. Matthews said she believes concerns regarding the institution should be reviewed through the proper channels and evaluated on their merits.
According to Dr. Matthews, she filed the complaint after receiving a demand letter seeking $20,000 and later being named in a lawsuit. Dr. Matthews has publicly alleged financial misconduct involving the founder, including a dispute over a $9,500 payment for testimony she claims never occurred and what she described as a $20,000 shakedown attempt.
Dr. Matthews also alleges that an honorary doctorate awarded to her by the university was later rescinded without due process. She further claims the decision was based on hearsay and information allegedly attributed to Grizzy Hood News.
The university previously received national attention following a February 2026 investigation by The Shade Room, which examined questions surrounding honorary doctorate recipients, accreditation, tuition and the institution’s religious exemption status. The report featured honorary doctorate recipients including Trina, Tyrese, Yung Joc, Towanda Braxton, Cynthia Bailey and Trick Daddy, while Dr. Caddie responded to concerns raised by critics.
According to the IABE website, Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University is listed with an accreditation period of 2023 through 2026 and a status expiration date of June 30, 2026. The newly added review notice now appears on the university’s accreditation page while the verification process remains ongoing.
Dr. Matthews said the accrediting organization acknowledged receipt of her complaint and initiated its review and verification process. She also stated that additional individuals have indicated they intend to submit their own complaints and supporting documentation for consideration.
Dr. Matthews said multiple individuals have contacted her with concerns involving the university and its founder. According to Dr. Matthews, Part 2 is coming soon and will include additional interviews, documents and allegations from individuals who claim they had dealings with the university and its founder.
The IABE notice states that Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University’s accreditation remains active pending completion of the review and verification process.
