Univ. of Tennessee Prof. Tamar Shirinian Under Fire for Comments After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has initiated termination proceedings against assistant professor Tamar Shirinian after social media posts surfaced in which she appeared to celebrate the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Shirinian, an anthropology professor, was placed on administrative leave after her comments drew widespread backlash and attention from lawmakers.

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck shared the alleged post from Shirinian, an anthropology faculty member, which read in part: “The world is better off without him in it… his kids are better off living in a world without a disgusting psychopath like him…” The University responded swiftly, stating the comments do not reflect its values and emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a respectful, civil learning environment.

“Her actions endorsing violence and murder do not represent the university or our values,” UT officials said. UT System President Randy Boyd added that “celebrating or advocating for violence and murder is reprehensible and has no place at the University of Tennessee.”

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Here is an unofficial statement issued by the Society for Armenian Studies (SAS) on Tamar Shirinian:

Due to a lack of quorum, the SAS Executive Committee (EC) was unable to formally issue a public statement regarding the suspension, and possible termination, of SAS member Dr. Tamar Shirinian from the University of Tennessee. Three EC members abstained from participating out of concern for their immigration status or restrictions tied to their terms of employment. While these procedural limitations prevent us from speaking in an official capacity as a body, we feel it is essential to affirm our shared principles and express our deep concern.

Dr. Tamar Shirinian is a respected and valued scholar whose research in gender and sexuality studies, Armenian studies, and Middle Eastern studies has made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge and to the training of future generations of students. She is also widely recognized as a dedicated teacher and mentor whose presence has strengthened the intellectual and communal life of the academy.

We are especially troubled by reports that Dr. Shirinian is facing potential termination for a comment she made in her capacity as a private citizen. The right to free speech is a cornerstone of democratic society, and the protection of academic freedom depends on the ability of scholars to express their views without fear of retaliation. Punishing a faculty member for speech expressed in a personal capacity sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rights of all scholars and citizens.

The dismissal of Dr. Shirinian not only threatens the principle of free expression but also jeopardizes the integrity of higher education itself. Universities must remain places where diverse ideas can be expressed and debated openly, without fear that dissenting voices will be silenced.

We therefore urge our members, colleagues, and allies to contact University of Tennessee officials to register their concern regarding this decision. By standing in solidarity with Dr. Shirinian and affirming the fundamental principles of free speech and academic freedom, we can help defend the values that sustain higher education and democratic life.

Barlow Der Mugrdechian, President

Armen Marsoobian, Treasurer

Melanie Schulze Tanielian, Advisor