NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Austin Peay State University will pay one of its professors $500,000 and has since reinstated Professor Darren Michael after initially firing him in the fall of last year.
Michael was fired in September following the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, when he reshared a social media post on Kirk's death.
Michael, a tenured theatre professor, has served on the APSU faculty since 2007.
The post, which is shared below was made gained the attention of Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who posted the content on her own page.
As of December 30, Michael has returned to his position.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at newsroom@newschannel5.com.
I always say storytelling is a team sport, and a key part of the NewsChannel 5 team is our photojournalists. They are nationally recognized for their talents, more importantly, they are also great people. Enjoy this peek behind the lens, get to know them, and see some of their most notable work of 2025!
- Carrie Sharp
