Austin Peay State University has reinstated a professor who was fired over social media posts.Conservative activist Charlie Kirk killed. The Tennessee school also paid the teacher a $500,000 settlement.
Austin Peay spokesman Brian Dunn said Darren Michael resumed his tenure as a tenured faculty member at Clarksville Public University effective December 30. A copy of the settlement agreement, obtained through a public records request, included a $500,000 payment and consulting reimbursement, it was reported earlier this week.WKRN-TV.
Tennessee’s governor, attorney general and comptroller signed a document authorizing the settlement payments.
Michael, a theater and dance professor, reportedly facedConservative backlash and punishment at workThey posted online about Kirk’s fatal shooting in September. He was later moved to suspension.
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 Sen. Marsha Blackburn circulated a screenshot showing the headline of a 2023 news article Michael posted on Sept. 10 titled “Charlie Kirk says gun deaths ‘unfortunately’ deserve preservation of Second Amendment.” Blackburn, also a candidate for governor, includes Michael’s photo and biography. “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.
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