The University of Tennessee is set to pay nearly $2 million to resolve a high-profile lawsuit brought by a former professor whose inflammatory social media comments celebrating the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk ignited national outrage and ultimately cost her job.
According to a settlement approved by the University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees, former assistant professor Tamar Shirinian will receive $1.9 million to end her legal challenge against the university. While the financial agreement closes the dispute, Shirinian will not be reinstated to her faculty position.
The settlement has not yet become final. Before the payment can be made, it must still receive approval from Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Governor Bill Lee.
