Austin Peay State University in Tennessee has reinstated a theatre and dance professor who was fired over a social media post about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and will pay him $500,000 (£400,000) in a settlement.
The university confirmed that Darren Michael returned to his tenured position on 30 December. The settlement includes a $500,000 payment and reimbursement for counselling, according to a copy of the agreement obtained via a public records request.
Michael faced backlash after Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn shared a screenshot of his post, which linked to a 2023 article headlined: “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.” Blackburn tagged the university, prompting Michael’s suspension and eventual dismissal.
University President Mike Licari apologised, stating that the required tenure termination process was not followed. “I deeply regret and apologise for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community,” he said in an email.
Michael’s attorney, David L King, said his client “said nothing that was threatening or otherwise offensive” and decried pressure from “outside forces” that caused “a great deal of harm” to Michael and his daughter.
