FLINT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – What was billed as a clarifying moment for Mott Community College instead turned into two hours of sharp public comment and tense exchanges when the Board of Trustees met on February 18. At issue were allegations that President Shaunda Richardson-Snell made inappropriate religious remarks in her official capacity, including reportedly asking a Native American campus guest whether he had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Richardson-Snell did not attend the meeting due to a conference, according to Board Chair Jeffrey Swanson. After emerging from closed session, trustees declined to take formal action, choosing instead to revisit a proposed public statement at their regular meeting Monday, February 23.
Board walks the line between religious freedom and institutional neutrality.
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The statement the trustees came up with at the February 23 meeting was a replacement of an earlier statement and included: “Mott Community College affirms the constitutional right to freedom of religion and respects the deeply held beliefs of all individuals. The ability to practice and express one’s faith freely is a fundamental liberty and an important part of our democratic society and Mott itself.”
The statement continued: “As a public institution, the college also has a responsibility to maintain an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to people of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation. The Board of Trustees will continue to ensure that anyone who attends or participates in any Mott event or is employed by Mott Community College is treated with respect and dignity.”
The ending of the statement read, “No student, employee or visitor should feel that a particular belief system is prioritized within our college or that one is not entitled to one’s own religious beliefs or indeed to have no such affiliation.” The long statement was unanimously approved by trustees at the meeting.
A campus divided.
The controversy involving Richardson-Snell began with a December complaint from Americans United for Separation of Church and State alleging multiple instances of proselytizing.
Community members packed the meeting on both February 18 and 23. Supporters – including several local pastors – defended the president’s right to express her faith. Critics argued that as the leader of a taxpayer-funded institution, she must avoid even the appearance of religious endorsement.
New allegation surfaces.
Since the heated meeting on February 18, there have been a new allegation against Richardson- Snell. According to the one of the trustees, a former employee is claiming that the president distributed religious literature to faculty and students.
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After previously clearing the Mott Community College president of allegations that she was “proselytizing” on campus, the board’s attorney now says a new claim may warrant a formal investigation by an independent investigator.
The recommendation followed President Shaunda Richardson-Snell’s first public comments on the controversy during Monday’s board meeting. She defended herself, stating that her remarks “have never been said with any coercion nor any mandatory participation.”
Following the meeting, Trustee Reyes told Bridge Michigan that a formal complaint is currently being drafted but has not yet been filed.
