Austin Peay State University reinstated a tenured theater professor and agreed to a $500,000 settlement after he was fired for reposting a news headline that sparked national controversy; the university also agreed to issue a statement of regret and reimburse counseling costs. The reversal follows political pressure and illustrates how social‑media disputes can escalate into tenure and free‑speech battles. Separately, commentary on Harvard’s recent firing of an activist staffer argues that repression of campus activism is a cross‑ideological problem, reflecting broader tensions between administration discipline and advocacy on elite campuses. Both items underscore rising legal, reputational and governance risks as external political forces collide with university personnel decisions. (Clarksville Now; Times Higher Ed opinion.)