CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Austin Peay State University will pay one of its professors $500,000 after initially firing him for a social media post made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.

Darren Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing at APSU, was fired by the institution last year after comments on Kirk’s death. In September, APSU moved Michael to suspension before fully bringing him back into the classroom last month.

On Monday, News 2 obtained a copy of a settlement agreement and settlement authorization indicating APSU will pay Michael $500,000 and reimburse therapeutic counseling services for Michael.

Michael shared an article quoting Kirk’s own thoughts about gun violence. That post gained the attention of Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who posted a screenshot of Michael’s post to X along with his headshot and biography.

“What do you say, @austinpeay?” the caption to Blackburn’s post reads.

APSU moved Michael to suspension after the initial firing, adding that due process had not been followed.

“APSU agrees to issue a statement acknowledging regret for not following the tenure termination process in connection with the Dispute,” the compromise and settlement agreement reads in part. “…The statement will be distributed via email through APSU’s reasonable communication channels to faculty, staff, and students.”

The developments at APSU follow the filing of a federal lawsuit by a former state employee who was fired over comments made about Kirk. A Metro Communications employee was placed on leave in September 2026. A Nashville Fire Department employee was placed on administrative leave last year as well. A Williamson County Schools employee was suspended and later resigned.