The University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees has approved a settlement of $1.9 million with former assistant professor Tamar Shirinian, who was terminated from her position. The settlement is pending approval from state officials, including the attorney general and Governor Bill Lee. Shirinian will not be reinstated at the university. Her attorney, Robb Bigelow, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating it reflects the seriousness of the issues involved. Board chair John Compton noted that continuing litigation would divert resources from the university's mission. The controversy began in September 2025 following Shirinian's comment on social media regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which led to public outcry and an investigation by university officials. Shirinian was suspended on September 15, 2025, and her termination was finalized on February 11, 2026, after she filed a lawsuit against the university.
✓ AI-Debiased Article
4
Wire-neutral
provisional
✓ No loaded language, vague sourcing, or framing detected.
University of Tennessee Settles with Former Professor for $1.9 Million
The University of Tennessee has agreed to pay $1.9 million to former assistant professor Tamar Shirinian as part of a settlement following her termination. The settlement is awaiting approval from state officials. The case arose after Shirinian made a controversial comment about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, leading to public backlash and an investigation.
People
Tamar Shirinian
Robb Bigelow
John Compton
Randy Boyd
Donde Plowman
Annotating as
No note attached
on this article.
Original vs. Neutral
Original Headline
University of Tennessee to pay $1.9M to professor fired over Charlie Kirk comment
Neutral Headline
University of Tennessee Settles with Former Professor for $1.9 Million