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.
