Austin Peay State University (APSU) has agreed to pay $500,000 to a tenured professor it initially fired over a social media post following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Darren Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing, was fired last year after sharing an article that quoted Kirk’s own comments on gun violence.
The post drew national attention after Sen. Marsha Blackburn shared a screenshot of it on X and publicly questioned APSU’s response.
Michael was later placed on suspension, then fully reinstated last month after APSU admitted it failed to follow proper due process.
A settlement agreement shows APSU will pay him $500,000 and reimburse counseling expenses.
