Austin Peay State University has reinstated a tenured professor and agreed to a $500,000 legal settlement, concluding a months-long dispute that began with the professor's abrupt firing over a social media post. The university's president has since acknowledged that proper termination procedures were not followed in the case of theater professor Darren Michael.
The controversy erupted in September following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, when a post by Michael drew political attention and swift, severe action from the university administration.
Key Takeaways
- Austin Peay State University (APSU) has reinstated tenured professor Darren Michael.
- The university will pay a $500,000 settlement to resolve the matter.
- Michael was fired in September after political pressure regarding a social media post about Charlie Kirk.
- APSU President Mike Licari admitted the university failed to follow correct termination procedures.
A Social Media Post and a Senator's Scrutiny
The sequence of events began on September 10, following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the ensuing days, Darren Michael, a tenured theater professor at APSU, shared a 2023 article. The article referenced Kirk's own past statements justifying firearm deaths as an acceptable consequence of Second Amendment protections.
The post quickly gained traction and came to the attention of senior U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn. She amplified the issue on social media with a post directed at the university, asking, "What do you say, Austin Peay State University?"
The public pressure appeared to have an immediate effect. On Friday, September 12, just two days after Kirk's death, Darren Michael received an email informing him that he had been fired from his position.
Tenure and Due Process
Tenure is a critical protection in academia, designed to ensure academic freedom. At a public university like APSU, a tenured professor can only be fired for "adequate cause," and the institution must follow a strict, predetermined process that guarantees due process rights. The initial firing of Michael via email raised immediate questions about whether these standards were met.
Faculty Backlash and Administrative Reversal
The administration's decision to fire a tenured professor so rapidly sparked immediate concern and criticism from Michael's colleagues. During a tense faculty senate meeting, members questioned the legality and fairness of the termination, arguing that the university had bypassed established procedures in the face of political pressure.
Many faculty members believed the action constituted a wrongful termination. They pointed out that the university's own policies require a thorough review and evidence of "adequate cause" before such a drastic step can be taken.
In response to the internal backlash, APSU administrators walked back the termination, changing Michael's status to a formal suspension while the situation was reviewed. Michael retained attorney David L. King to represent him in the dispute.
Timeline of Events
- Sept. 10: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies in a shooting.
- Sept. 11: Professor Darren Michael shares an article on social media referencing Kirk's past statements.
- Sept. 12: Sen. Marsha Blackburn questions APSU on social media; Michael is fired via email.
- Late 2025: Michael is officially reinstated and a $500,000 settlement is reached.
Reinstatement and a $500,000 Settlement
Nearly four months after the initial firing, the dispute has been resolved. Austin Peay State University confirmed that Darren Michael has been fully reinstated to his position. Furthermore, the university agreed to a $500,000 settlement to address the legal claims.
In a statement, APSU President Mike Licari acknowledged the university's missteps. He admitted that the administration did not adhere to the correct procedures for terminating a tenured faculty member, validating the concerns raised by the faculty senate.
"Austin Peay was in a reactive mode, and they did not follow the proper channels," said David L. King, Michael's attorney. He emphasized the personal toll the ordeal took on his client.
The Path Forward
While the financial settlement addresses the legal aspect of the wrongful termination, Michael's attorney noted the lasting impact of the experience.
"I don't think this settlement begins to cover the trauma and terror he and his family went through," King stated. "For now, Darren Michael is back pursuing his career, that was our first priority and first step."
The case serves as a significant example of the intersection of political speech, academic freedom, and university governance. With Michael now back in his role, the APSU community is left to reflect on the events that led to a tenured professor's removal and the high cost of the university's procedural failure.
