Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Professor Reinstated, Paid $500K After Firing Over Charlie Kirk Post
A professor named Darren Michael was fired from his job at a university in Tennessee because of a post he made on social media about a man named Charlie Kirk who was killed.
The university said the post was not respectful, but later they realized they made a mistake and gave him his job back.
They also gave him a lot of money, $500,000, to make up for it.
The professor's lawyer helped him get his job back.
Some people think the university did the right thing, while others are not so sure.
Darren Michael, a theatre professor at Austin Peay State University, was reinstated and received a $500,000 settlement after being fired for a social media post about Charlie Kirk's assassination.
The university initially fired Michael for a post that was seen as insensitive and disrespectful, but later admitted to mishandling the termination process.
Senator Marsha Blackburn brought attention to Michael's post, which led to his termination.
The university will also cover the cost of therapeutic counseling services for Michael as part of the settlement.
Several media reports and individuals have commented on the reinstatement, with some praising the university's decision and others criticizing it.
- Who
- Darren Michael, a theatre professor at Austin Peay State University
- What
- Reinstated and received a $500,000 settlement after being fired for a social media post
- When
- Reinstated on December 30, 2025
- Where
- Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee
- Why
- Fired over a social media post about Charlie Kirk's assassination, which was seen as insensitive and disrespectful
- Professor's Name
- Darren Michael
- University
- Austin Peay State University
- Location
- Clarksville, Tennessee
- Settlement Amount
- $500,000
- Reason for Firing
- Social media post about Charlie Kirk
- Reinstatement Date
- December 30, 2025
- University President
- Michael Licari
- Senator Involved
- Marsha Blackburn