Knoxville, Tennessee, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is experiencing significant backlash after attempting to fire assistant professor Tamar Shirinian. Shirinian’s comments on social media regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked widespread criticism. The university has initiated an investigation into her remarks, which many experts claim could infringe upon her First Amendment rights. Political figures have also weighed in, contributing to the growing controversy surrounding free speech on campus and the implications of the university’s actions.
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is facing significant backlash and potential legal repercussions following the proposed firing of assistant professor Tamar Shirinian due to comments she made on social media about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. On September 15, 2023, Shirinian was removed from the classroom and the university initiated the firing process after she posted, “The world is better off without him in it,” in response to Kirk’s murder, which provoked a torrent of criticism online.
Robby Starbuck, a conservative social media activist, amplified Shirinian’s comments by sharing them along with her UT profile page to his nearly 845,000 followers the day before her suspension. His post rapidly gained traction, amassing millions of views, over 21,000 likes, and more than 12,000 shares. The escalating controversy sparked responses from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Representative Tim Burchett, both of whom advocated for disciplinary actions against Shirinian.
In light of the backlash, university leaders, including UT System President Randy Boyd, announced an investigation into Shirinian’s comments and her subsequent suspension. However, experts on free speech have raised alarms that the decision to terminate Shirinian could lead to a lawsuit against the university, citing potential violations of her rights under the First Amendment and state laws.
Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, pointed out that the act of reprimanding Shirinian for her remarks may jeopardize the university’s commitment to free speech. The University of Tennessee’s policies clearly endorse expansive protections for free expression, reaffirming that both students and employees are entitled to exercise these rights.
The university’s academic freedom policy specifically allows professors to express their opinions but also underscores the necessity of maintaining professionalism and avoiding the introduction of unrelated controversial issues into their teaching materials. Importantly, the remarks made by Shirinian originated from her personal social media account and did not conflict with any specified time, place, and manner restrictions enforced by the university.
While the university retains the authority to regulate employee speech, any disciplinary actions must ascertain whether the comments pertain to a matter of public interest and if they have resulted in considerable disruption within the campus community.
Professor emeritus Donald Downs has openly criticized the university’s move to terminate Shirinian, arguing that due process and the protections associated with academic freedom should be upheld. The university’s past actions have exhibited varied responses toward faculty speech, revealing inconsistencies in the application of its policies.
In connection to this incident, students congregated at “The Rock” on the university campus to create a mural honoring Kirk, inscribing the words, “Well done good and faithful servant.” This mural was later vandalized, igniting further discussions surrounding freedom of expression on campus.
Community reactions to Kirk’s assassination have included multiple vigils, and Tennessee’s governor lowered flags at the State Capitol in his honor, illustrating the broader implications of this situation across the state. A public memorial service for Charlie Kirk is slated for September 21, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and will feature tributes from numerous political and religious figures.
FAQ
What led to the University of Tennessee’s decision to fire Professor Tamar Shirinian?
On September 15, 2023, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville removed assistant professor Tamar Shirinian from the classroom and began the process to fire her after she criticized conservative activist Charlie Kirk on social media following his assassination.
What were Shirinian’s comments about Charlie Kirk?
Shirinian remarked, “The world is better off without him in it,” responding to Kirk’s murder, which spurred a significant backlash on social media.
How has the public reacted to the university’s actions?
Community reactions include forming vigils for Kirk, and the Tennessee governor lowered flags at the State Capitol in his memory, signifying broader regional impacts and sentiments expressed statewide.
Chart of Key Features
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 15, 2023 |
| Professor Involved | Tamar Shirinian |
| Social Media Reaction | Comments led to significant backlash and calls for action |
| Political Reactions | Statements from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Representative Tim Burchett |
| Planned Memorial Service | September 21, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Disciplinary Actions Taken Against UT Knoxville Professor
Debate Erupts Over Free Speech at University of Tennessee
Surge in Layoffs Hits Tennessee in 2025
Additional Resources
- Knox News: University of Tennessee and Charlie Kirk
- Knox TN Today: UT Dedicates Winston College of Law
- WBIR: Charlie Kirk Mural on The Rock
- Tennessean: Watch Charlie Kirk Memorial Service
- News Channel 5: Citing Charlie Kirk Murder
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- Google Search: Charlie Kirk news
- Google Scholar: Charlie Kirk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlie Kirk
- Google News: Charlie Kirk
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
