Tennessee university reinstates professor fired for post criticizing Charlie Kirk | Tennessee
Austin Peay State University reinstated a professor who was fired for a social media post following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Tennessee school also pays the teacher $500,000.
Darren Michael has returned to his position as a tenured faculty member at the state university in Clarksville, effective Dec. 30, Austin Peay spokesman Brian Dunn said. A copy of the settlement agreement obtained through a public records request includes a $500,000 payment and counseling reimbursement. reported earlier this week By WKRN-TV.
Tennessee’s governor, attorney general and auditor signed a document authorizing the settlement payment.
Michael, a theater and dance professor, was among those who reported facing conservative backlash and punishment at work for his online posts about Kirk’s shooting in September. He was later placed on suspension status.
Austin Peay president Mike Licari said in a Dec. 30 email to the university community that the school did not follow the required termination process. Communication was another requirement under the agreement.
Licari added: “I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and our campus community. I am committed to ensuring due process and justice are upheld in all future actions.”
Two days after Kirk’s killing, Marsha Blackburn, Republican senator from Tennessee, sent On September 10, a screenshot showing Michael posted the headline of a 2023 news article: “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths Are ‘Unfortunately’ Worth Hiding the 2nd Amendment.” Blackburn, who is also a candidate for governor, included Michael’s photo and biography. He 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 on the settlement.
Michael’s lawyer, David L King, said the professor “did not say anything of a threatening or offensive nature”. King condemned the pressure exerted by “foreign forces” and said that this ordeal had “inflicted great harm” on Michael and his daughter.
