During the Mott Community College Board of Trustee meeting on February 23, 2026, the following statement was unanimously approved as drafted by Trustees Santino Guerra and Arturo Reyes.

Statement approved by MCC Board of Trustees on February 23, 2026:

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.

Recently we received statements from constituents that raised the issue of religious statements on campus.  Our interim Board Attorney immediately investigated these reports at the direction of the Chair.  He submitted his report to the board in December.  We spoke with the staff member about the statements and chose to reaffirm the legal principles applicable to this situation.

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.  Of course, we expect all members of the campus community to exercise their rights in a manner that respects the diversity of beliefs represented at Mott.  Mutual respect, civility and consideration for others are essential to preserving an environment where every individual feels valued and free to learn.  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.