Tennessee university reinstates professor fired for post criticizing Charlie Kirk

Key Highlights

• Darren Michael was fired for a social media post regarding Charlie Kirk's death.
• Austin Peay State University has reinstated him as a tenured faculty member.
• The university is paying Michael $500,000 as part of the settlement.
• The reinstatement is effective from December 30, 2025.
• The case has drawn attention to issues of free speech at universities.