Professor fired over Charlie Kirk post is reinstated and awarded $500k

The significant payout was authorized by high-ranking state officials, including Tennessee's governor, attorney general and comptroller

A professor at Austin Peay State University has been reinstated and awarded a substantial $500,000 settlement following his dismissal over a social media post concerning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Darren Michael, a tenured faculty member, returned to his position at the Tennessee public university in Clarksville on December 30.

The settlement agreement, obtained through a public records request and initially reported by WKRN-TV, confirms the $500,000 payment alongside reimbursement for counseling costs. Michael, a professor of theater and dance, was among several individuals who reported facing significant conservative backlash and professional repercussions for their online comments after Kirk's fatal shooting in September. He had previously been placed on suspension.

The significant payout was authorized by high-ranking state officials, including Tennessee's governor, attorney general and comptroller.

Two days after Kirk's killing, Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee circulated a screenshot indicating Michael on Sept. 10 had posted the headline of a 2023 news article reading, “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.” (Benjamin Hanson/Middle East Images)

In a Dec. 30 email to the university community, Austin Peay President Mike Licari said the school did not follow the required tenure termination process. The communication was another requirement under the settlement.

Licari added, “I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community. I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.”

Two days after Kirk's killing, Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee circulated a screenshot indicating Michael on Sept. 10 had posted 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 a photograph and biography of Michael. She wrote, “What do you say, Austin Peay State University?” and tagged the university's account.

Blackburn's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the settlement.

David L. King, Michael's attorney, said the professor said “nothing that was threatening or otherwise offensive." King decried the pressure applied by “outside forces” and said the ordeal “caused a great deal of harm" to Michael and his daughter.