A professor at Austin Peay State University has been reinstated and awarded a substantial $500,000 settlement following his dismissal over a social media post concerning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Darren Michael, a tenured faculty member, returned to his position at the Tennessee public university in Clarksville on December 30.

Two days after Kirk's killing, Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee circulated a screenshot indicating Michael on Sept. 10 had posted the headline of a 2023 news article reading, “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.” Blackburn, who is also a candidate for governor, included a photograph and biography of Michael. She wrote, “What do you say, Austin Peay State University?” and tagged the university's account.

David L. King, Michael's attorney, said the professor said “nothing that was threatening or otherwise offensive." King decried the pressure applied by “outside forces” and said the ordeal “caused a great deal of harm" to Michael and his daughter.

Professor fired over Charlie Kirk post is reinstated and awarded $500k

Free speech wins again. To bad it doesnt exist where the folks reporting it are located.