Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Against University of Tennessee Over Professor's Dismissal

Settlement Details

Tamar Shirinian, a former professor at the University of Tennessee, has been awarded $1.9 million to resolve a lawsuit claiming her constitutional rights were infringed upon by the university. This legal action arose after university officials attempted to discipline her due to her social media comments regarding conservative figure Charlie Kirk. As reported by Knox News, the University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees has approved this settlement. Shirinian was placed on administrative leave following her remarks about Kirk, who was killed on September 10 during his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University. In her posts, she labeled Kirk a "disgusting psychopath" and stated, "The world is better off without him in it," while also making comments about his family. She later expressed regret, calling her remarks "insensitive" and not reflective of her true character.

Circumstances of Dismissal

Reasons Behind Shirinian's Termination

Shirinian was officially terminated on February 11, and her reinstatement is not an option, as reported by Knox News. In the termination letter, University Chancellor Donde Plowman stated that Shirinian's comments "celebrated a gruesome murder" that took place on a college campus and "callously demean[ed] the grief and loss felt by the widow and young children of the victim," while also ridiculing the sorrow of others. Following the settlement, Shirinian's attorney, Robb Bigelow, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "Litigation is always difficult, and we're grateful to everyone on both sides who worked diligently to bring this matter to a close." He added that the outcome reflects the seriousness of the issues involved and allows all parties to move forward positively. A spokesperson for the University of Tennessee System commented that there would be no further remarks beyond what was shared publicly during the Board of Trustees meeting.