A Minnesota college professor has been dismissed from his post after being charged in connection with a string of urine-related incidents on campus. Paul Fischer, 55, a science professor at Macalester College in St Paul, faces a first-degree property damage charge that could carry up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Incident reported by student
The case came to light after a female student reported that her backpack had been covered in yellow liquid while she was working in the science centre. The student had left her bag unattended for about six minutes and found 'urine on her backpack' upon her return. She told investigators she suspected Fischer because he was the only other person in the area at the time, and she had been near his office.
According to court documents seen by CBS Minnesota, the campus had been plagued by a series of bizarre urine-related incidents. The Macalester College Department of Public Safety told police that its own investigation linked Fischer to six reports of 'urinations occurring on campus' between November 11 and December 5, 2025.
Admission and damages
Pee was found in bins, in individuals' water bottles, and inside other professors' decorations. Fischer admitted to St Paul police that he had 'developed a habit' of 'urinating in a cup' over the past two years. After urinating, he would dispose of the liquid in bins or sinks around campus.
He told police that he may have accidentally soiled the student's bag, causing around $2,000 in damages, while throwing away his urine in a bin near his office.
College response and court date
In a statement, the college said: 'Macalester College is aware of the criminal charge against Paul Fischer. Fischer’s employment with Macalester ended during the 2025–26 academic year.' Fischer, who had taught at the college for over 25 years, is due in court in early November. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful, and no attorney was listed for the former professor.
