Courts and Civil Settlements

Austin Peay State University has reinstated theater and dance professor Darren Michael to his tenured position effective Dec. 30 and agreed to a $500,000 settlement plus reimbursement for counseling costs, a package authorized by Tennessee’s governor, attorney general and comptroller. University president Mike Licari apologized, saying the school failed to follow required tenure-termination procedures, and Michael’s attorney said the post contained no threats and that outside political pressure — including Sen. Marsha Blackburn publicizing the post after Charlie Kirk’s killing — caused substantial harm to Michael and his daughter.