Ex-college student from Norway settles suit over racial post

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A former Michigan Technological University student has settled his lawsuit against the school over an alleged internet threat against black people.

Matthew Schultz of Norway filed the agreement to settle Tuesday. Terms weren’t disclosed.

Court documents allege Schultz was a junior in November 2015 when he posted, “Gonna shoot all black people …… A smile tomorrow,” on a social-media app.

He was expelled and arrested after another student sent the university a screenshot of the post, altering it to say only, “Gonna shoot all black people.”

The lawsuit alleges Schultz’s post wasn’t a threat and he intended it to mean he was going to smile at black individuals. The university says its response was appropriate given nationwide school shootings.

Criminal charges were dropped against Schultz. The settlement awaits court approval.