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Settlement would pay $1.9M to ex-UT professor fired over Charlie Kirk post
The agreement ends Shirinian’s federal lawsuit and bars reinstatement, after state officials still must approve the $1.9 million payout.
- On Monday, the Tennessee System Board approved a $1.9 million settlement with former assistant professor Tamar Shirinian, though the agreement does not restore her faculty position at the University.
- Shirinian faced termination proceedings in September 2025 after writing a controversial Facebook post regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk, sparking swift action by University officials.
- Board Chair John Compton stated that "any continuing litigation would require significant time and attention, and financial resources," while State officials must still approve the settlement to finalize it.
- Robb Bigelow, Shirinian's attorney, called the agreement a "mutually acceptable resolution" that avoids the expense and stress of continued litigation while reflecting the seriousness of the issues.
- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression is aware of 17 cases involving individuals penalized for comments about Kirk, with Jacob Gaba noting that at least seven have been settled.
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Former UT Professor Receives $1.9M Settlement After Dismissal Over Charlie Kirk Comments
A former University of Tennessee professor will receive $1.9 million as part of a settlement resolving a lawsuit that accused the university of violating her constitutional rights after officials disciplined her over…
·Alexandria, United States
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TN Professor Fired For Dissing Kirk Awarded $1.9M
The Washington Post reports: The University of Tennessee at Knoxville reached a $1.9 million settlement with a former professor who was fired after she criticized slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Tamar Shirinian, who had been an anthropology professor at the university, sued the university’s chancellor, the state university system president and the faculty senate president, claiming that the school violated her constitutional rights by …
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources34
Leaning Left7Leaning Right13Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Right
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
45% Right
L 24%
C 31%
R 45%
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