University of Tennessee’s Tamar Shirinian talks about federal litigation
A University of Tennessee professor was placed on leave after her comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination went viral. She is currently pursuing legal action.
The University of Tennessee System Board of Governors has approved a settlement with former assistant professor Tamar Shirinian, agreeing to pay the fired faculty member $1.9 million.
Shirinian will not return to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. State officials, including the attorney general and Gov. Bill Lee, must approve the settlement.
“My client is pleased that the parties have reached a resolution,” Rob Bigelow, Shirinian’s attorney, said in an email to Knox News. “Litigation is always difficult, and I would like to thank everyone on both sides for working diligently to bring this matter to a close.
“We believe this resolution reflects the seriousness of the issue while allowing everyone to move forward. We wish the university every success in the future.”
The board’s Audit and Compliance Committee met after a closed session and approved the transaction, but Board Chairman John Compton refrained from participating in the vote.
“Continuing the litigation will require significant time, attention and financial resources,” Compton said after the June 29 vote. “Those resources would be better directed toward furthering the agency’s mission, vision, and values.”
A court filing late June 29 says the parties will notify the court once all details are finalized.
“And on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to express our confidence and support in President Boyd and President Plowman as they continue to lead the UT System and the Knoxville campus,” Compton told the board, “and we thank you for your leadership.”
Tamar Shirinian’s legal battle ends
The situation began on September 12, 2025, two days after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Shirinian made a nasty Facebook comment on a friend’s private post, saying, “The world is better off without him.”
Social media agitators spread Shirinian’s comments online, sparking public outrage and prompting the university to fire her.
UT System President Randy Boyd announced the investigation on September 15, 2025, and Chancellor Donde Plowman suspended Shirinian and initiated termination proceedings against her. The former professor sued the university in federal court on Oct. 29, and Plowman finalized Shirinian’s firing decision on Feb. 11.
Keenan Thomas I am a higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing to subscribe.knoxnews.com
