Quick Info
| Profession | Cultural Anthropologist, Assistant Professor |
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| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 1980 |
| Birthplace | United States |
Latest News about Tamar Shirinian
30/06/2026
The University of Tennessee reached a $1.9 million settlement with Tamar Shirinian after her firing over a social media comment about Charlie Kirk. The agreement ended her lawsuit but did not restore her to her former position at the university.
18/03/2026
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville terminated Tamar Shirinian after a Facebook comment she made about Charlie Kirk triggered backlash. Shirinian had previously been placed on administrative leave and said she would pursue a federal lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations.
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Bio/Wiki
| Summary | Tamar Shirinian is an American cultural anthropologist and former Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research focuses on kinship, power, sexuality, sovereignty, and postsocialism, drawing on queer studies, feminist theory, critical theory, and psychoanalysis. |
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Educational Qualification(s)
| PhD | Cultural Anthropology, Duke University (2016) |
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| MA | Cultural Anthropology, Duke University (2016) |
| BA | University of California, Berkeley |
Personal Life
| Engagement | Active in the Republic of Armenia; engaged with queer, psychoanalytic, anti-colonial, and Marxian thought. |
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Career
| Current Position | Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville |
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| Past Affiliations |
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| Notable Events | Placed on administrative leave in 2026 following controversy over a Facebook comment regarding Charlie Kirk; termination proceedings initiated by the university. Terminated from employment by Chancellor Donde Plowman in March 2026. Pursuing a federal lawsuit against the university for First Amendment violations, with a federal trial scheduled for early 2027. |
Favourites
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Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Her work explores the connections between sexuality, gender, intimacy, and political economy. | |
| 2. She is a contributor to 'Mediapolis – a journal of cities and culture' and 'Agitate Journal'. | |
| 3. She co-hosts the 'Other Armenias' podcast. | |
| 4. Her research and teaching philosophy emphasize vulnerability to new ideas and problems. |
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