Photo: AFP
An associate professor at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Tennessee has been reinstated and awarded a $500,000 settlement after being fired over a social media post related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
According to Newsweek, Darren Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing, returned to his tenured position effective Dec. 30, 2025. APSU officials said Michael and the school “reached a settlement agreement,” which reportedly includes a $500,000 payment and reimbursement for counseling services.
Michael was removed from his post shortly after Kirk, the co-founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 in Utah. Following the killing, Michael shared a screenshot of a widely circulated 2023 Newsweek article quoting Kirk saying that gun deaths are part of the cost of preserving Second Amendment rights.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) later shared Michael’s post on social media, tagging APSU and posting screenshots that included Michael’s photo and contact information.
“What do you say, @austinpeay?” Blackburn wrote.
Soon after Blackburn's statement, APSU removed Michael. University President Mike Licari said at the time that Michael had “reshared a post on social media that was insensitive, disrespectful, and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death.”
“Such actions do not align with Austin Peay’s commitment to mutual respect and human dignity,” Licari said. Michael was initially fired and later placed on suspension.
On Wednesday (January 7), APSU spokesperson Ginna Holleman said Michael had returned to his tenured position.
“Effective December 30, 2025, Professor Darren Michael has returned to his position as a tenured faculty member at Austin Peay State University," Holleman said.
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