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8h ago

Austin Peay Reinstates Tenured Professor, Reaches $500,000 Settlement Over Improper Firing Tied to Kirk Post

The agreement follows APSU’s apology for bypassing required tenure procedures in punishing a repost about Charlie Kirk.

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Clarksville, TN, USA - September 23, 2014: Clement Building on the Austin Peay State University campus in Tennessee
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Overview

  • Darren Michael returned to his tenured post effective December 30, 2025, according to the university.
  • A settlement obtained by WKRN shows APSU will pay $500,000 and reimburse therapeutic counseling services.
  • President Mike Licari acknowledged the school failed to follow required termination steps and issued an apology.
  • APSU confirmed a settlement was reached but said the terms were confidential despite local outlets publishing details.
  • Tennessee’s governor, attorney general and comptroller approved the settlement, according to reporting based on documents reviewed by The New York Times.