Professor Reinstated, $500K Settlement

Darren Michael, a tenured professor at Austin Peay State University, was fired on September 12, 2025, after sharing a Newsweek article on social media that quoted Charlie Kirk's past remarks on gun deaths, following Kirk's assassination. The post drew criticism from conservatives, including U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, who publicly pressured Austin Peay State University to act. Austin Peay State University President Michael Licari initially stated that Michael's post was 'insensitive, disrespectful and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death.' However, the university later acknowledged that it had not followed proper tenure termination procedures. As a result, Austin Peay State University reached a settlement agreement with Darren Michael, reinstating him to his position effective December 30, 2025, and paying him $500,000, along with reimbursement for therapeutic counseling services. The university also issued a statement regretting its failure to follow due process.