KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – A University of Tennessee assistant professor is expected to be fired over her posts about Charlie Kirk’s death, the university confirmed to WVLT News Monday. The move came after several elected representatives at the state and national level said they had reached out to UT officials over her comments.
“The university has taken swift action against a faculty member who has failed to meet our expectations for civil engagement,” a statement from the university said. “The faculty member is out of the classroom, placed on administrative leave, and termination proceedings have begun.”
The university has since confirmed the faculty member is Tamar Shirinian, an assistant professor in the anthropology department.
Specifically, screenshots circulating on social media show Shirinian commenting on Facebook “the world is better off without him in it” and bashing his wife for marrying him.
At least two elected representatives said on social media that they had reached out to the university over her comments: U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett and Tennessee Rep. Jason Zachary, both republicans who represent the Knoxville area.
Since coming to light, Rep. Burchett reposted the screenshots, saying he was “on it” and had “delivered the message.” Zachary said he had spoken with UT System President Randy Boyd.
Boyd has since released a statement on his social media.
“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.”
Later, Boyd added to his statement, saying “I support Chancellor Plowman’s swift action. Our responsibility is to educate and shape future leaders in an environment grounded in respect and decency. That responsibility is one we will always uphold on behalf of our students and the people of Tennessee.”
Kirk, co-founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA, is a controversial figure who made a name for himself hosting public debates at colleges around the country. Turning Point’s UT chapter provided the following statement to WVLT:
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has also commented on the soon-to-be firing, thanking the university for its actions.
“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 for God’s healing on our nation.”
The university’s faculty handbook is available online. There’s no specific mention of social media guidelines, but staff and faculty are expected to act with general professionalism and civility.
UT isn’t the only university in the state to look into public comments about Kirk; both ETSU and MTSU have reprimanded staff members.
The university’s full statement is below:
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