Austin Peay State University reinstated tenured theater professor Darren Michael and agreed to a $500,000 settlement after his 2025 termination for a social-media post drew national attention. The university’s board and Tennessee state officials signed off on the payment and an apology acknowledging procedural errors in the tenure-termination process, local and national outlets reported. The resolution follows public pressure from state politicians and conservative activists who amplified the post; Michael’s attorney said outside forces caused substantial harm to the professor and his family. The settlement underscores legal and reputational risks universities face when handling faculty speech and tenure protections amid politicized social-media campaigns.