Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Mott Community College's Leadership

In the heart of Flint, Michigan, Mott Community College (MCC), a public institution serving thousands of students annually, has found itself at the center of a heated debate over religion, free speech, and leadership responsibilities. The controversy erupted when President Shaunda Richardson-Snell, who assumed the role in 2024, was accused of proselytizing—actively promoting her Christian faith—during official college events and interactions. This situation highlights the delicate balance public higher education institutions must maintain between accommodating personal expressions of faith and upholding the principle of separation between church and state.

MCC, established in 1923, plays a vital role in Genesee County, offering associate degrees, workforce training, and transfer programs to four-year universities. With an enrollment of around 6,000 students, it emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. Richardson-Snell, a local native with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Michigan-Flint, brings over 24 years of experience in finance and entrepreneurship. Prior to her presidency, she served as principal of Aquila Advisors and was appointed interim president in July 2024 following the departure of Beverly Walker-Griffea, later confirmed permanently without a national search—a decision that drew early criticism.

The allegations surfaced prominently in late 2025, prompting involvement from national organizations and intense local scrutiny. As community colleges like MCC navigate diverse student bodies, such incidents underscore the need for clear policies on religious expression to foster inclusive environments.

🎓 The Key Incident That Sparked the Debate

The flashpoint occurred in October 2025 during an Indigenous Peoples' Day ceremony on campus, part of the annual Peace & Dignity Journey event. This gathering honors Indigenous unity, symbolized by a Peace and Dignity Tree planted on MCC grounds in 1992 by Wayne Wilson, a member of the Navajo Nation from Arizona. Wilson shared his personal experiences with federal Indian boarding schools in Michigan, where Native American children endured abuse, forced assimilation, and Christian indoctrination—traumas that continue to affect Indigenous communities today.

Following Wilson's remarks, Richardson-Snell allegedly approached him privately and asked, "Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?" Wilson and supporters, including his adoptive mother Celia Perez Booth, viewed this as insensitive proselytizing, reopening historical wounds in her official capacity as president. Perez Booth later testified at a board meeting, stating it was not a private conversation but one representing the institution, urging respect for Native healing processes.

Additional claims include Richardson-Snell telling a student there is "one truth" and warning about the devil's role in artificial intelligence (AI) usage, as well as assuring a faculty union president that "God was on her side" amid grievances. Complainants allege these created a workplace culture favoring believers, with non-adherents facing reprimands or stalled promotions. These reports culminated in a formal complaint to Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU), a nonprofit advocating for constitutional church-state separation.

AU's Letter and the Initial Response

On December 12, 2025, AU staff attorney Ian Smith sent a letter to Richardson-Snell and the MCC Board of Trustees, detailing the complaints and demanding corrective action. The organization argued that such proselytizing by a high-profile official conveys that non-Christians are unwelcome, potentially violating the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.

In response, the board initiated an internal investigation led by attorney Carey DeWitt in October 2025, guided by the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. This ruling protected a coach's public prayer, emphasizing that the government cannot penalize private religious speech simply because it occurs on public property. DeWitt's review concluded no First Amendment violation occurred, though details remain confidential as privileged attorney-client communication. No disciplinary measures were publicly disclosed.

For more on AU's stance, see their official resources on church-state issues in education.

The Tense Board Meeting and Public Testimony

Tensions peaked at a special MCC Board of Trustees meeting on February 18, 2026, attended by about 75 community members, faculty, and stakeholders. President Richardson-Snell was absent, attending a conference. Nearly two dozen speakers provided two hours of passionate public comment, roughly split between supporters and critics.

• Critics, including former trustee Michael Freeman, faculty union president Brian Littleton, and alum Kathleen Watchorn, called for an independent investigation, transparency, and potentially Richardson-Snell's resignation. They argued her position of power creates coercion, erodes trust, and prioritizes one faith over inclusivity.
• Supporters, such as pastors Christopher Thoma and ministers from local churches, Mott staff like Miosha Robinson and Ashley Shafer, and diversity advocates, defended her First Amendment rights to free exercise of religion. They portrayed her comments as personal expressions of care, not coercion, and warned against religious censorship.

Trustee John H. Daly proposed revisiting an independent probe, while others like Art Reyes criticized delays. The board entered closed session and postponed voting on a drafted statement by Trustee Santino Guerra, set for review on February 23, 2026. The statement affirms respect for all beliefs while committing to an harassment-free environment. No new investigation was launched, leaving the matter unresolved amid calls for third-party review.

Legal Perspectives: Balancing Free Speech and Institutional Neutrality

The debate hinges on constitutional nuances. Public colleges, funded by taxpayers, must remain neutral under the Establishment Clause but protect individual free exercise and speech rights. The Kennedy precedent shifted analysis from "endorsement" tests to respecting historical practices and avoiding viewpoint discrimination.

Critics invoke cases like Engel v. Vitale (1962), banning school-led prayer, arguing leaders' proselytizing implies institutional favoritism. Supporters cite Good News Club v. Milford Central School (2001), allowing religious groups equal access. Op-eds, like Kaitlyn Buss's in The Detroit News, decry "diversity hypocrisy," where identity expressions are celebrated except religious ones, potentially chilling speech across worldviews.

Explore Inside Higher Ed's coverage for deeper legal insights. Faculty considering leadership dynamics may find resources at higher ed career advice.

Broader Implications for Community College Leadership

This incident reflects wider challenges in U.S. higher education, where leaders balance personal authenticity with professional neutrality. Community colleges, serving diverse, often first-generation students, face heightened scrutiny. Statistics from the American Association of Community Colleges show 46% of students are people of color, demanding inclusive policies.

Similar cases include a Texas A&M president's faith-based emails or disputes at other publics. Richardson-Snell's corporate background, lacking traditional academia experience, amplifies debates on hiring practices—boards often opt for internals amid financial pressures, but national searches ensure fit.

Impacts include eroded trust, faculty morale dips (as voiced by unions), and potential enrollment effects in Flint's recovering economy post-water crisis.

📋 Paths Forward: Solutions for Inclusive Campuses

To resolve such tensions, institutions can adopt proactive measures:

• Develop explicit policies on religious expression, training leaders via workshops like those from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
• Conduct national searches for presidents, emphasizing cultural competence.
• Foster dialogue through town halls and diversity councils.
• Ensure transparent investigations with public summaries (sans confidential details).

MCC could reaffirm commitment via the pending statement, perhaps adding bias training. For job seekers eyeing community college jobs or administration roles, understanding these dynamics is key.

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Restoring Unity at Mott and Beyond

As MCC awaits the February 23 board decision, the community remains divided yet engaged—a testament to its vibrancy. Balancing faith, speech, and neutrality strengthens education. Share your experiences on Rate My Professor or explore higher ed jobs and career advice at AcademicJobs.com. Whether faculty, students, or administrators, informed dialogue paves the way for equitable campuses. For university jobs or to post a job, visit our platform to connect with opportunities nationwide.