CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Austin Peay State University professor who was fired over a post he shared on social media following the shooting death of Charlie Kirk will return to his position today, according to an email from President Mike Licari.
On Sept. 12, Darren Michael, a tenured professor of theatre, was terminated for resharing a post on social media following the Charlie Kirk shooting that displayed a 2023 headline, “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.” In response, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn shared Michael’s post, along with his university bio, and stated, “What do you say, Austin Peay State University?” tagging APSU.
Professor Michael’s termination letter, dated Sept. 12 and obtained by Clarksville Now, states in part, “This decision is being made due to recent social media posts that have caused significant reputational damage to the university.” But his status was later shifted to suspension when APSU realized it hadn’t followed due process, and at the Sept. 18 Faculty Senate meeting, Licari admitted that due process had not been followed.
According to APSU’s Policy on Academic Tenure and Termination of Faculty Members for Adequate Cause, any termination requires convening a hearing committee with six tenured faculty members – three appointed by the Faculty Senate and three by the president.
On Dec. 30, Licari sent out an email addressed to the APSU community, stating that Michael will return to his position as a tenured professor at APSU.
“APSU did not follow the required tenure termination process in this matter, and I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community,” according to the email obtained by Clarksville Now. “I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.”
“This has been a difficult period for our campus. I want to acknowledge that and thank you for your continued dedication to the university and our students,” Licari said. “I am committed to helping our community move forward with integrity, respect, and a renewed focus on our shared mission of serving our students with excellence.”
Clarksville Now has previously reached out to Professor Michael for comment.
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