Tennessee university reinstates professor fired over Charlie Kirk post, agrees to $500K settlement

Austin Peay State University has reinstated a tenured professor who was fired following a social media post made after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and has agreed to pay $500,000 as part of a settlement.The Tennessee public university confirmed that Darren Michael, a professor of theatre and dance, returned to his position effective December 30, according to a statement by university spokesperson Brian Dunn. A copy of the settlement agreement obtained through a public records request shows that the payment also includes reimbursement for counseling expenses, WKRN-TV reports.

The settlement payment was authorised by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, and Comptroller Jason Mumpower.

Suspension following social media backlash

Michael was among several individuals who reported facing professional consequences after posting online commentary following Kirk’s fatal shooting in September. He was later placed on suspension by the university.

University concedes procedural lapse

In an email sent to the campus community on December 30, Austin Peay president Mike Licari said the university had not followed the required process for terminating a tenured faculty member. Issuing the communication was one of the conditions of the settlement.“I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community,” Licari wrote, according to AP. “I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.”

Political intervention and public pressure

Two days after Kirk was killed, Republican U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn circulated a screenshot on social media that showed Michael sharing the headline of a 2023 news article reading, “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth It to Keep 2nd Amendment.” Blackburn, who is also a candidate for governor, included Michael’s photograph and professional biography in her post and tagged the university’s official account, writing, “What do you say, Austin Peay State University?”Michael’s attorney, David L. King, said his client’s post was not threatening or offensive. Speaking to AP, King said the professor was subjected to pressure from “outside forces” and that the episode caused significant harm to Michael and his daughter.