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Tennessee university to pay professor $1.9M after calling Charlie Kirk a 'disgusting psychopath'
By Dallas-Fort Worth at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth)
· 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 Denton News
The settlement of a Tennessee university professor's lawsuit has implications for free speech and academic freedom in institutions of higher learning across the country, including those in Denton . As a community with a strong presence of universities, the city's residents may be interested in how this case could influence the way local schools handle social media posts by faculty members. The fact that the professor was disciplined for expressing opinions on a public figure raises questions about the boundaries of acceptable speech for educators in Denton's own academic institutions. This case may prompt local universities to review their social media policies and consider how they balance the need to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment with the need to protect faculty members' rights to free speech. The outcome of this lawsuit could have a ripple effect, shaping the way universities in Denton and beyond approach these complex issues.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Denton News 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 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) ·
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 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) and curated for Denton News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dallas-Fort Worth at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth). To learn more about how Denton News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Denton News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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