Coastal Carolina Community College – Chris Schulte

Summary

On February 19, 2026, a secret recording surfaced of Coastal Carolina Community College psychology professor and North Carolina State House candidate Chris Schulte criticizing Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization, and its founder Charlie Kirk, who was the organization’s president and a prominent conservative activist. The recording had been made without Schulte’s knowledge by one of his students during a classroom session and was later posted publicly by Turning Point USA, where it quickly circulated. In the recording, Schulte called Turning Point USA “a bunch of liars spreading propaganda” and referred to its members as “dangerous and manipulative,” using profane language to describe the organization’s influence on college campuses. He said the group was “going into classrooms, recording professors, trying to get us fired because they don’t like our opinions,” and described their tactics as “fascist” and “a threat to democracy.” Schulte also said that conservative activism on campus was “poisoning the environment” and called out specific Turning Point USA chapters for “intimidating students and faculty into silence.”

He added, “Did he deserve to die? No, but he was a racist piece of shit, and Turning Point USA is a racist piece of shit organization, and I will say it, and they just started a group on this campus.” The audio quickly circulated and was reported on by local and national media. Schulte said his remarks were intended to critique conservative activism in higher education and were not meant to threaten or harass anyone.

Following the release of the recording, Schulte reported receiving threats related to his comments. Campus security at the college escorted him to his vehicle on February 19, citing concerns for his safety. He described the experience as distressing and said he was unaware of the full extent of the backlash until the recording went viral. Schulte indicated that he had received messages and comments he interpreted as threatening, which prompted the escort and heightened concerns about personal safety.

On February 20, 2026, Coastal Carolina Community College terminated Schulte’s employment, stating that his conduct violated professional standards and college policies, including discourteous behavior and interference with normal college operations. Schulte had taught at the college since 2008. He expressed disappointment with the decision, asserting that his remarks fell under academic freedom and free speech. Media coverage highlighted the broader debate over balancing professional conduct with the rights of educators to publicly express their views.

The controversy occurred amid nationwide attention following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which prompted strong reactions on social media, including grief, outrage, and criticism. Universities across the country began reviewing statements made by faculty and staff related to the incident, and some employees faced disciplinary actions for comments deemed inappropriate or insensitive.