TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jun 18, 2026

Federal Judge Katherine Crytzer denied fired University of Tennessee (UT) professor Tamar Shirinian's request for immediate reinstatement to her position, citing a shifted legal landscape following her February firing and a new state law expanding chancellors' disciplinary authority. Meanwhile, Magistrate Judge Jill McCook approved Shirinian's amended lawsuit naming UT officials, state Rep. Chris Todd, R-Jackson, and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, as defendants over claims including First Amendment violations and defamation. Knox News reports that Shirinian was fired after a Facebook comment about Charlie Kirk's assassination drew online backlash and pressure on UT leadership, including a donor's threat to pull a $10 million gift unless she was terminated. Shirinian also is seeking to unmask that donor's identity. A trial in the case is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027.