An academic at Austin Peay State University (APSU) who was unjustly dismissed for a social media post regarding Charlie Kirk has been reinstated and awarded substantial compensation.
Darren Michael, who serves as an associate professor specializing in acting and directing, faced termination after he shared an article discussing the demise of far-right figure Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk was noted for his controversial stances, such as criticizing the US Civil Rights Act and opposing women’s rights to reproductive health.
His life ended when he was shot during a debate at a Utah college campus in September last year. Tyler Robinson, aged 22, was identified as the suspect and charged with aggravated murder, among other charges, and may face the death penalty if found guilty.
The article shared by Michael highlighted a previous statement from Kirk about the acceptability of gun deaths in the US to safeguard Second Amendment Rights.
Michael posted the article titled “Charlie Kirk says gun deaths are ‘unfortunately’ worth it to keep 2nd Amendment” on Facebook without any added commentary.
The circulated screenshot of the article suggests it originated in 2023, referencing remarks Kirk made following a school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville on March 27, 2023, where six people, including three children and three adults, lost their lives.
In response to the incident, Kirk remarked at a Turning Point USA event: “I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.”
The post drew the attention of Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, who shared a headshot and biography of Michael on social media, along with his post, questioning “@austinpeay?”
In response, APSU issued a statement announcing Michael’s dismissal, describing the social media post as ‘insensitive, disrespectful, and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death.’
APSU President Mike Licari stated: “Such actions do not align with Austin Peay’s commitment to mutual respect and human dignity.
“The university deems these actions unacceptable and has terminated the faculty member.”
However, APSU has since reversed its decision, reinstating Michael and providing him with a $500,000 settlement along with coverage for therapeutic counseling services.
APSU’s updated statement declared: “APSU agrees to issue a statement acknowledging regret for not following the tenure termination process in connection with the Dispute.”
The statement continues: “The statement will be distributed via email through APSU’s reasonable communication channels to faculty, staff, and students.”