In a heartwarming turn of events that underscores the importance of protecting free speech and due process, Darren Michael has returned to his position as associate professor of acting and directing at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Tennessee. The resolution comes with an impressive $500,000 settlement and marks a powerful statement about the value of academic freedom.

Michael, who had built a career teaching acting and directing at the Clarksville university with around 11,000 students, found himself at the center of a controversy last fall. After sharing a screenshot of a 2023 Newsweek article on social media, the tenured professor was initially removed from his position. The university later moved him to suspension, but the situation continued to evolve as legal considerations came into play.

Now, effective December 30, 2025, Professor Michael has successfully returned to his role, bringing his expertise and passion for theater arts back to his students. University Chief Strategic Communication Officer Ginna Holleman confirmed that Michael and APSU reached a settlement agreement, though specific details beyond the reinstatement were kept confidential. Local news outlet WKRN News 2 obtained documentation showing the university will also reimburse counseling services for Michael.

The Bright Side

This resolution represents more than just one professor getting his job back. It sends an encouraging message about the resilience of institutional values and the importance of protecting academic discourse. Michael's successful reinstatement demonstrates that universities can course correct and that the principles of tenure and academic freedom still hold meaningful weight in higher education.

The settlement amount reflects a significant acknowledgment from the institution and may help set a precedent for how similar cases are handled across the country. As Jeffrey Sachs, assistant professor at Acadia University, noted on social media, the case shows that respecting First Amendment rights is not just the right thing to do but also the practical choice for institutions.

Jeremy Horpedahl, director of the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics at the University of Central Arkansas, celebrated the outcome, writing that "Academic freedom lives! (And it pays, sometimes)." His enthusiasm reflects a broader sense of relief among educators who value open discourse and intellectual freedom on campus.

For APSU students, particularly those studying theater and performance, Michael's return means continuity in their education and the restoration of a valued mentor. The university community can now move forward with renewed clarity about the importance of protecting diverse viewpoints and thoughtful expression.

This case joins several similar situations across the country where educators faced disciplinary action, reminding us that the conversation about balancing institutional concerns with individual rights continues. However, in this instance, the outcome offers hope that patience, legal processes, and commitment to constitutional principles can lead to positive resolutions.

As Professor Michael returns to the classroom, his experience serves as an inspiring reminder that standing up for one's rights, while challenging, can lead to meaningful change and restoration.