Austin Peay Reinstated Darren Michael After Post Uproar

Austin Peay State University reinstated Darren Michael and agreed to pay him $500,000, after his firing over a social media post drew backlash following Charlie Kirk’s killing.Spokesperson Brian Dunn said Michael returned to his tenured theater and dance position effective December 30, and the settlement includes counseling reimbursement authorized by Tennessee’s governor, attorney general and comptroller.Mike Licari told campus the university failed to follow required tenure termination procedures, while Michael’s lawyer David L. King said the post was not threatening and blamed pressure from “outside forces” for harm to Michael and his daughter.