Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville, Tennessee, has restored Darren Michael to his previous position as a tenured professor. This decision follows a $200,000 settlement reached in his last firing over an online post. Michael, an experienced educator in both theater and dance, resumed his role effective December 30, 2023. Ultimately APSU settled by agreeing to pay him $500,000 to settle the matter. This settlement paid for his counseling costs, resulting in his reinstatement.
Michael ruffled some feathers when he tweeted criticism of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk. Kirk, another prominent conservative activist, was recently—and tragically—fatally shot in September. Tennessee Republican senator and gubernatorial hopeful Marsha Blackburn was among the first to catch his tweet. She immediately tweeted a screenshot of Michael’s comments, further amplifying them. After this incident, Michael faced reprisals and punishment for his activism online.
President of APSU Mike Licari admitted the university’s error. They failed to follow the proper due process for removing a tenured member of the faculty. He deeply mourned the loss and impact this tragic situation had on Michael and the entire campus community.
“I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community. I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.” – Mike Licari
David L King, a representative involved in the case, stated that Michael’s online comments were “nothing that was threatening or otherwise offensive.” He acknowledged that this had “done a lot of damage.” This bears out the larger, chilling effects of the conservative backlash against alleged “firebrand” or “dangerous” organizers who dare to speak out.
The settlement was approved by Tennessee’s governor, attorney general and comptroller, highlighting the political interests at play around the toxic spill. Blackburn’s involvement led to important questions about the tenets of academic freedom and what kind of pressures educators should expect from political appointees.
As the university looks ahead, Jackson said, APSU must continue to create a culture of care. This is essential for the success of all faculty to flourish. The case Darren Michael’s reinstatement raises some very important conversations about free speech and artistic expression. Furthermore, it calls attention to the repercussions of discussing controversial political opinions on college campuses.