Story perspectives

Tennessee Professor Sues Over Facebook Speech Rights Violation

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

The University of Tennessee faces a lawsuit by Tamar Shirinian, an assistant professor, who says her First Amendment rights were violated after being slated for termination over a Facebook comment on Charlie Kirk.
Shirinian argues the university applies a double standard in handling faculty speech, especially opinions on public platforms.
Legal experts warn the outcome could set a precedent for how public universities govern controversial faculty speech and free-speech protections.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Supreme Court ruling in *Perry Education Association v. Perry Local Educators' Association* affirmed public employees' free speech rights, impacting institutions like the University of Tennessee. This case echoes earlier decisions, such as *Gitlow v. New York* (1925), which incorporated First Amendment protections at the state level, highlighting ongoing tensions between academic freedom and institutional policies in the U.S.

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Story summary

The University of Tennessee faces a lawsuit by Tamar Shirinian, an assistant professor, who says her First Amendment rights were violated after being slated for termination over a Facebook comment on Charlie Kirk.
Shirinian argues the university applies a double standard in handling faculty speech, especially opinions on public platforms.
Legal experts warn the outcome could set a precedent for how public universities govern controversial faculty speech and free-speech protections.

1 / 2