Tamar Shirinian, a faculty member at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is facing termination after controversial comments on Facebook regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 9.
The university announced Monday that Shirinian has been placed on administrative leave and that termination proceedings have begun.
UT Knoxville said Shirinian “failed to meet our expectations for civil engagement,” adding that she has been “out of the classroom, placed on administrative leave, and termination proceedings have begun.”
BREAKING: Professor at UT Knoxville Tamar Shirinian has been FIRED after vile post celebrating Charlie’s death
“His kids are better off living in a world without a disgusting psychopath like him and his wife is a sick f*** for marrying him.” pic.twitter.com/oXxC4JDEcB
— Charlie’s Vengeance 🇺🇸 (@CharlieKNews11) September 15, 2025
What Did Tamar Shirinian Say About Charlie Kirk?
Shirinian commented on a Facebook post about Kirk’s death at Utah Valley University, saying:
“The world is better off without him in it. Even those who are claiming to be sad for his wife and kids….like, his kids are better off living in a world without a disgusting psychopath like him and his wife, well, she’s a sick fuck for marrying him so I don’t care about her feelings.”
Her remark sparked widespread outrage on social media and went viral, drawing attention to UT Knoxville.
On it. https://t.co/Mwgu2e7Wv2
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) September 14, 2025
Who Is Tamar Shirinian?
The University confirmed that Tamar Shirinian worked as an assistant professor in the Anthropology department. Her biography, which has since been removed from UT Knoxville’s website, stated that she is a cultural anthropologist and author.
The viral nature of her comment prompted a campaign targeting the university, including sharing contact information of UT authorities and urging her removal. Republican Congressman Tim Burchett also commented on the issue, stating he is “on it” to push for Shirinian’s dismissal.
University Statement on the Controversy
On Monday, UT Knoxville released an official statement addressing Shirinian’s removal: “Her actions endorsing violence and murder do not represent the university or our values.”
The statement added: “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.”
