An online comment made by a University of Tennessee professor on Sunday, Sept. 14, has led to her imminent termination.
Tamar Shirinian, an assistant professor in the Anthropology department of the College of Arts and Sciences, commented on a post regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Sunday night, calling Kirk a “disgusting psychopath” along with his widow, Erika.
“The world is better off without him in it,” Shirinian said.
The comment was quickly discovered by conservative social media influencers, such as Robby Starbuck and Michael Lotfi, who spoke out on X against the professor’s sentiments.
“Meet Tamar Shirinian,” Starbuck said. “Tamar is a professor at @UTKnoxville. Someone sent this horrific post to my DM’s. UTK must take action.”
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) also responded to the situation, saying he was “on it” and alerting state government officials of the comment.
UT System President Randy Boyd acknowledged the incident Sunday night before a final call was made.
“Celebrating or advocating violence and murder is reprehensible and has no place at the University of Tennessee,” Boyd said. “UT Knoxville is actively investigating the matter and will take decisive action to ensure it is addressed with the full weight and attention it deserves.”
UT announced the decision to terminate Shirinian Monday afternoon. The university posted a campus update on social media clarifying the situation.
“The university has taken swift action against a faculty member who has failed to meet our expectations for civil engagement,” the update said. “Her actions endorsing violence and murder do not represent the university or our values. The faculty member is out of the classroom, placed on administrative leave, and termination proceedings have begun.”
Governor Bill Lee thanked Boyd and UT Chancellor Donde Plowman for their action on the issue.
“I’m grateful to all of TN’s university leaders who are taking appropriate action,” Lee said. “Please continue praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and God’s healing on our nation.”
In the campus update, UT stressed its commitment to maintaining a civil academic and social environment.
“Teaching and shaping the lives of young people is core to the mission of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville,” UT said. “We have a great responsibility as educators of America’s future leaders to make sure students have a healthy educational environment in which to learn, wrestle with difficult issues, and express themselves civilly. We take that responsibility seriously.”
Chancellor Donde Plowman sent an email to faculty and staff Monday afternoon.
“Violence on a university campus wounds the heart of our academic mission, and no statements endorsing a campus shooting can be acceptable to an institution,” the email said. “All of us must recognize that when we speak, and certainly when we speak on social media, our words have broader impact.”
