A theatre professor at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, who was dismissed in September over a controversial social media post related to the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has been reinstated and will receive a substantial financial settlement.
Controversial Post and Swift Termination
In September, Darren Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing, shared a Newsweek article on social media. The article quoted comments made by Charlie Kirk in 2023 regarding gun violence and the Second Amendment. Michael did not add any personal commentary to the shared link.
The post drew the attention of Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who publicly questioned the university about it on the platform X. Shortly after, on September 12, APSU President Mike Licari announced Michael's termination. Licari called the post "insensitive" and "unacceptable," stating it did not align with the university's values of mutual respect.
University Admits Due Process Failure
The situation changed when the university realized it had not followed its own proper procedures. By late September, Austin Peay State University had shifted Michael's status from terminated to suspended. An internal review concluded the school had failed to adhere to the required due process in his dismissal.
This week, the resolution became public. The university confirmed that effective December 30, 2025, Professor Darren Michael returned to his tenured faculty position. Furthermore, as part of a settlement agreement, the school will pay Michael $500,000 and reimburse him for therapeutic counseling services.
Apology and Commitment to Fairness
In a new statement, President Mike Licari expressed regret for the handling of the case. "APSU did not follow the required termination process in this matter, and I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community," Licari wrote. He added, "I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions."
The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding academic freedom, social media use by faculty, and institutional disciplinary procedures. The substantial settlement underscores the cost to the university for failing to follow its own governance rules, even in the face of external political pressure.
