Professor Fired Over Kirk Post Gets $1.9M

A former University of Tennessee professor who called conservative activist Charlie Kirk a "disgusting psychopath" on Facebook will receive $1.9 million from the school—but she won't be getting her job back, the Washington Post reports. The university's board committee signed off Monday on the settlement with Tamar Shirinian, who alleged she was unlawfully fired for constitutionally protected speech after her post about Kirk's September shooting death was forwarded to a state lawmaker.

Shirinian, an anthropology professor, sued top university officials, arguing they violated her First Amendment rights by retaliating over comments she made on a private account. The agreement still needs sign-off from state officials, including the governor, Knox News reports. Shirinian tells WBIR she's "very pleased with the outcome." Her attorney called the deal a "mutually acceptable resolution" that acknowledges the seriousness of the case while sidestepping a prolonged court fight. According to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, Shirinian's is one of at least 17 First Amendment cases tied to fallout over remarks about Kirk; at least seven have settled, but many plaintiffs have not been reinstated in their jobs.