Full Breakdown
Settlements for Professors Fired Over Charlie Kirk's Death
1/10/2026, 9:33:24 PM
Overview of the Core Events
In the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, two professors—Darren Michael from Austin Peay State University (APSU) and Joshua Bregy from Clemson University—faced termination due to social media posts related to Kirk's death. Both professors have since reached settlements with their respective universities, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding free speech in academic settings.
Darren Michael's Case at Austin Peay State University
Darren Michael, a tenured associate professor of acting and directing at APSU, was fired on September 12, 2025, after sharing a post that included a headline from a 2023 article quoting Kirk on gun deaths. The post drew significant backlash, particularly from Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, who publicly questioned the university's actions. Following the firing, APSU acknowledged that it had not adhered to proper termination procedures, leading to Michael's reinstatement on December 30, 2025. As part of the settlement, APSU agreed to pay Michael $500,000 and reimburse him for therapeutic counseling services. APSU President Mike Licari expressed regret over the situation, stating, “I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community.”
Joshua Bregy's Case at Clemson University
Similarly, Joshua Bregy, an assistant professor at Clemson University, was terminated on September 26, 2025, for resharing a Facebook post that criticized Kirk's rhetoric while condemning violence. The post stated, “I’ll never advocate for violence in any form, but it sounds to me like karma is sometimes swift and ironic.” Following public outcry and legal action by the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina (ACLU-SC), Bregy reached a settlement that rescinded his termination. He will continue to receive pay and benefits until his resignation on May 15, 2026, and will receive positive letters of recommendation from university officials.
Broader Implications and Context
The firings of Michael and Bregy are part of a larger trend in which numerous educators faced disciplinary actions for comments made about Kirk's death. This has raised concerns about First Amendment rights and academic freedom. Legal experts have noted that public institutions like APSU and Clemson are bound by constitutional protections regarding free speech. The settlements reached by both professors may serve as a deterrent against future violations of faculty rights in similar contexts.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the universities' actions argue that the firings were politically motivated and reflect a chilling effect on free speech within academic environments. The ACLU-SC has emphasized the importance of protecting faculty members' rights to express their views, even when those views are controversial. In contrast, some conservative lawmakers and groups have condemned the professors' posts as insensitive, arguing that they undermine the seriousness of Kirk's assassination.
Official Statements & Responses
- Darren Michael's Attorney, David King: “The ordeal caused a great deal of harm to Michael and his daughter.”
- Austin Peay President Mike Licari: “Such actions do not align with Austin Peay’s commitment to mutual respect and human dignity.”
- ACLU-SC Legal Director Allen Chaney: “We were honored to represent Dr. Bregy and to reach an agreement that restores his employment.”
What's Next
Both universities are likely to face ongoing scrutiny regarding their policies on faculty speech and the handling of similar incidents in the future. The settlements may prompt discussions about the balance between institutional reputation and academic freedom, as well as the potential for further legal challenges from other faculty members affected by the wave of firings following Kirk's death.
