Austin Peay State University Reinstates Professor After Controversial Firing
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A professor from Austin Peay State University has returned to his position following a controversial dismissal over a social media post related to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The resolution of this matter includes a substantial financial settlement.
Darren Michael, who teaches theater and dance, has been reinstated as a tenured faculty member at the public university located in Clarksville, Tennessee, as of December 30. The settlement reached includes a payment of $500,000 and covers counseling costs. This information, initially reported by WKRN-TV, was confirmed through a public records request.
The decision to authorize the settlement payment was signed off by Tennessee’s governor, attorney general, and comptroller.
Michael’s dismissal was part of a broader reaction against individuals who faced repercussions at work due to their online comments following Kirk’s shooting in September. Initially, Michael was placed on suspension.
In a communication to the university community on December 30, Austin Peay President Mike Licari acknowledged that the proper protocol for terminating a tenured professor had not been followed. This disclosure was part of the settlement terms.
Licari expressed his remorse, stating, “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.”
The incident gained additional attention when, two days after Kirk’s death, Republican U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee shared a screenshot of Michael’s social media post, which included the headline, “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.” Blackburn, who is also running for governor, questioned Austin Peay State University’s stance by tagging their account in the post.
Blackburn’s office has yet to provide a comment regarding the settlement.
David L. King, who is representing Michael, stated that the professor’s post was neither threatening nor offensive. King criticized external pressures, noting the significant harm caused to Michael and his daughter due to the situation.
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