Tennessee university reinstates professor fired for post criticizing Charlie Kirk

Austin Peay State University in Tennessee has reinstated Professor Darren Michael, a theater and dance faculty member, after he was fired for a social media post related to Charlie Kirk. The university will also pay Michael a $500,000 settlement, which includes reimbursement for counseling. Michael's initial termination followed a post referencing a news article about Kirk and the Second Amendment, which drew criticism from Senator Marsha Blackburn. University President Mike Licari acknowledged that the school did not follow proper tenure termination procedures, expressing regret for the impact on Michael and the university community. The settlement agreement was authorized by Tennessee's governor, attorney general, and comptroller. Michael's attorney stated that his client's post was not threatening or offensive and criticized the external pressure that led to his firing.

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