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one professor exist austin canton of pei University already Restored and Grant $500,000 settlement After he was fired over social media posts about the death of a conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Tenured professor Darren Michael returns to his tennessee Dec. 30, Clarksville Public University.
The settlement, obtained through a public records request and initially reported by WKRN-TV, confirms a payment of $500,000 as well as reimbursement of consulting fees. Michael, a theater and dance professor, reportedly faced backlash from conservatives and backlash from professionals for comments they made online after Kirk was shot and killed in September. He had previously been suspended.
The massive spending was authorized by top state officials including Tennessee’s governor, attorney general and comptroller.
Austin Peay President Mike Licari said in a Dec. 30 email to the university community that the school did not follow required termination procedures. Communication is another requirement in the settlement agreement.
Licari added: “I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this incident has had on Professor Michael and our campus community. I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.”
Two days after Kirk was killed, Tennessee Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn circulated a screenshot showing the headline of a 2023 news article Michael posted on September 10 that read: “Charlie Kirk says gun deaths ‘unfortunately’ worth preserving 2nd Amendment.” Blackburn, also a gubernatorial candidate, included a photo and biography of Michael. “What do you think, Austin Peay State University?” she wrote, tagging the university’s account.
Blackburn’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the settlement.
Michael’s attorney, David L. King, said the professor “did not say anything threatening or offensive.” King decried pressure from “outside forces” and said the ordeal had “took a huge toll” on Michael and his daughter.