The MCCEA Faculty Union has stated it remains intent in its commitment to transparency, fairness and ethical governance at Mott Community College, following the recent court ruling on its lawsuit against the Board of Trustees regarding the appointment of the college president.
On July 22, 2025, a judge in Ingham County Court reviewed the union’s legal claims concerning the Board’s hiring process, which the union believes was compromised by a clear conflict of interest and a lack of a transparent presidential search. The court dismissed one complaint but noted the union could file legal action after fully exhausting the grievance procedures outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“We are encouraged by the court’s recognition of the importance of our contractual grievance process,” said Brian Littleton, President of the MCCEA Faculty Union. “While we are moving forward with arbitration, we are also carefully considering all of our legal options to ensure the highest standards of integrity and accountability are upheld at Mott Community College.”
The union said they are currently waiting to have their grievance heard in arbitration and will continue to advocate for a fair, open, and ethical process in all college governance matters. The union also said its core concern remains the integrity of the Board’s actions, particularly the unresolved conflict of interest involving Trustee Sue Couch and her participation in the vote to hire the current president.
In addition to the potential conflict, the faculty union has stated it is deeply troubled by Trustee Sue Couch’s documented history of making disparaging remarks about minorities and marginalized communities on social media. They have said this conduct raises further concerns about the values guiding leadership decisions at the college and underscores the need for accountability and inclusive governance.
In February, MCCEA and other collective bargaining groups sent a letter asking the Board to investigate Trustee Sue Couch. Another letter was sent to Chair Swanson on June 18/ To date the union has stated no response or statement from the Board of Trustees regarding Couch’s questionable behavior has been received.
“Good governance is built on respect, trust and honesty. Those are qualities we hope to see more consistently demonstrated by this Board,” states Littleton.
The Mott Community College (MCC) and its Board of Trustees said they are extremely pleased by the “well thought out decision reached by Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Richard Garcia,” in which he dismissed the case against MCC and the Board of Trustees.
A statement from the college further states: “Attorneys for MCC and its Board of Trustees filed thorough and well-researched legal briefs requesting summary disposition and dismissal of the complaint without any further court action pursuant to Michigan statutes and Michigan Court Rules, to which Judge Garcia ruled in favor of MCC and its Board of Trustees.
“MCC and its Board of Trustees look forward to continuing its mission to provide high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services that cultivate student success and individual development and improve the overall quality of life in our multicultural community.”
