Mott Community College Trustees to Discuss President's Religious Allegations

Board to address claims that college president tried to impose religious beliefs on others

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Mott Community College Board of Trustees in Flint, Michigan will discuss allegations against the college president, Shaunda Richardson Snell, at their meeting on Monday. Richardson Snell is accused of trying to get others to adopt a specific religious belief, which has raised concerns about the separation of church and state. The board held a special meeting to review the claims, and the faculty union president said he witnessed Richardson Snell make questionable religious comments in a meeting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the separation of church and state, particularly in the context of public institutions like community colleges. There are concerns that a college president using their position to promote personal religious beliefs could make some faculty and staff uncomfortable and cross ethical boundaries.

The details

According to the report, the allegations against Richardson Snell stem from a complaint filed with Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The organization's president and CEO, Rachel Laser, said they received a complaint through their website about Richardson Snell's actions. Faculty union President Brian Littleton also said he heard concerns from faculty back in October about Richardson Snell's "use of religion" and how it could be perceived in a leadership role, though he did not submit the original complaint.

  • The Mott Community College Board of Trustees held a special meeting on February 19, 2026 to review the allegations against President Shaunda Richardson Snell.
  • The board plans to discuss the allegations and present a statement at their meeting on Monday.

The players

Shaunda Richardson Snell

The president of Mott Community College who is accused of trying to get others to adopt a specific religious belief.

Rachel Laser

The president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, an organization that received a complaint about Richardson Snell's actions and sent a letter to her and the college trustees.

Brian Littleton

The president of the Mott Community College faculty union, who said he heard concerns from faculty about Richardson Snell's use of religion and how it could be perceived in a leadership role.

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What they’re saying

“What we're seeing at Mott Community College is a piece of what we're seeing across the country today, which is this effort by religious extremists to impose one set of religious beliefs on all Americans through the government.”

— Rachel Laser, President and CEO, Americans United for Separation of Church and State (midmichigannow.com)

“Again, this is not to say that she does not have a right to her religion and expression of her religion. It's just understanding that the undue influence that it could happen when you're in a position of leadership and that it could make people uncomfortable when you're in certain positions of power.”

— Brian Littleton, Faculty Union President (midmichigannow.com)

What’s next

The Mott Community College Board of Trustees plans to work on a statement regarding the allegations against President Shaunda Richardson Snell and present it at their meeting on Monday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around the separation of church and state, particularly in the context of public institutions like community colleges. There are concerns that a college president using their position to promote personal religious beliefs could make some faculty and staff uncomfortable and cross ethical boundaries, raising important questions about the appropriate role of religion in public education.