UT Knoxville Professor Faces Social Media Backlash Over Controversial Comments

Knoxville, TN (September 15, 2025) - University of Tennessee anthropology professor Tamar Shirinian encountered widespread criticism on X after users circulated a “horrific” post attributed to her, sparking calls for her removal from the faculty.

The uproar highlights tensions over academic freedom and public accountability in the digital age, as Shirinian’s research on gender and sexuality in post-Soviet Armenia collided with a viral interpretation of her remarks.

Social Media Uproar X user Robby Starbuck shared a screenshot of Shirinian discussing her views on family structures, labeling the post “horrific” and drawing 37,500 views within hours. Shortly afterward, another account claimed Shirinian’s statements suggested children “are better off living in…”-a fragment that provoked further outrage and demands she be fired.

University Response UT Knoxville swiftly issued a brief statement reaffirming its commitment to free academic inquiry while reviewing whether Shirinian’s remarks violated university policy. The statement underscored that disciplinary action would follow only if formal guidelines were breached.

Professor’s Background An assistant professor of cultural anthropology, Shirinian’s scholarship explores queer theory, political economy and social reproduction in Armenia. Her 2024 book, Survival of a Perverse Nation, examines societal anxieties around sexuality and oligarchy in post-socialist Armenia.

Broader Debate This incident fuels ongoing debate over the boundaries of scholarly discourse on social media. Advocates for Shirinian’s academic freedom argue that isolated quotes seldom capture the nuance of her ethnographic work, while critics insist public figures must be held to account for any controversial public statements.

Next Steps The university has opened an internal inquiry. Pending its outcome, Shirinian’s future at UT Knoxville remains uncertain as both supporters and detractors continue to weigh in online.