A theatre professor in Tennessee has been reinstated to his position and will receive a substantial financial settlement after his controversial dismissal linked to a social media post about right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. The incident sparked a national debate on free speech, academic freedom, and institutional procedure.
The Controversial Post and Swift Termination
Darren Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville, found himself at the centre of a firestorm in September. The controversy began just two days after MAGA activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot by a sniper during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
On September 12, Michael shared a link on his personal Facebook account. The link led to an article titled, “Charlie Kirk says gun deaths are ‘unfortunately’ worth it to keep 2nd Amendment.” Professor Michael did not add any personal commentary or text to the shared link. However, in the highly charged atmosphere following the assassination attempt, many on social media interpreted the act of sharing as an attempt to mock Kirk's violent encounter, given the article's subject matter on gun deaths.
The post quickly gained traction online. The situation escalated when US Senator Marsha Blackburn shared a screenshot of Michael's post on the platform X. Her post, which included Michael's photograph and resume, directly challenged the university with the question: “What do you say, Austin Peay?”
University's Action and Subsequent Reversal
Facing intense public pressure, Austin Peay State University acted swiftly. The same day, September 12, the university terminated Darren Michael's employment. In its statement, the university administration declared that Michael's social media activity was “insensitive, disrespectful and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death.”
University President Mike Licari reinforced this stance, stating that such actions conflicted with APSU's core values of mutual respect and human dignity. The administration deemed the professor's actions unacceptable, leading to the immediate termination.
This decision, however, was not the final chapter. Following legal discussions and a review of the circumstances, the university has completely reversed its position. As part of a legal settlement, Darren Michael has been reinstated to his faculty position.
The Settlement and Institutional Apology
The terms of the settlement between Professor Michael and Austin Peay State University are significant. APSU has agreed to pay Darren Michael $500,000 as part of the resolution. Additionally, the university will cover the costs for “therapeutic counselling services” for the professor.
Critically, the settlement agreement requires the university to issue a public statement expressing regret. According to reports from WKRN News 2, the agreement states that APSU will acknowledge it failed to follow proper tenure termination procedures. This official statement of regret will be distributed via email to the entire university community, including faculty, staff, and students, through the institution's standard communication channels.
This case highlights the complex intersection of personal social media use, professional consequences, and the procedural safeguards intended to protect academic tenure. The substantial settlement and reinstatement suggest the university's initial disciplinary action may have overlooked due process in its rapid response to a public relations crisis.
