Austin Peay State University has brought back a professor who was dismissed over a social media post following the . The Tennessee institution is also providing the educator with a $500,000 settlement payment.
Austin Peay spokesperson Brian Dunn stated that Darren Michael resumed his role as a tenured faculty member at the Clarksville public university starting Dec. 30. A copy of the settlement agreement—obtained through a public records request—includes a $500,000 payment and reimbursement for counseling, as reported earlier this week by .
Tennessee’s governor, attorney general, and comptroller signed a document authorizing the settlement payment.
Michael, a theater and dance professor, was among those who reported facing a for their online posts about Kirk’s fatal September shooting. He was later placed on suspension.
In a Dec. 30 email to the university community, Austin Peay President Mike Licari said the school failed to follow the required tenure termination process. This 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 death, Tennessee Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn circulated a screenshot showing Michael had posted the headline of a 2023 news article—“Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment”—on Sept. 10. Blackburn, who is also a gubernatorial candidate, 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 had “said nothing that was threatening or otherwise offensive.” King criticized the pressure from “outside forces” and noted the ordeal “caused a great deal of harm” to Michael and his daughter.