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Tennessee university to pay professor $1.9M after calling Charlie Kirk a 'disgusting psychopath'
By FOX at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
A University of Tennessee professor will receive $1.9 million to settle a lawsuit after being disciplined over social media posts criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Key takeaway 9 million to settle a lawsuit after being disciplined over social media posts criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The settlement of a Tennessee university professor's lawsuit has implications for free speech debates in academic settings nationwide, including the Minneapolis -St. Paul area. Local universities and colleges may take note of the substantial payout, considering the potential consequences of disciplining faculty members for their social media activity. In Minneapolis, where higher education institutions are a significant part of the community, the balance between academic freedom and institutional policies will likely continue to be a topic of discussion. As the city's universities and colleges navigate these issues, they must consider the potential financial and reputational costs of restricting faculty members' online expression, even when their views are controversial or provocative. This development may prompt local academic institutions to review their social media policies and ensure they are aligned with First Amendment protections.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A University of Tennessee professor will receive $1.9 million to settle a lawsuit after being disciplined over social media posts criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by FOX at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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