KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The University of Tennessee has asked a federal court to deny Dr. Tamar Shirinian’s request to be reinstated as an assistant professor as her lawsuit against the university plays out. UT Chancellor Donde Plowman suspended her on Sept. 15 and began the process of firing her over comments she made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in the aftermath of his death.

On Sept. 12, Shirinian posted using what she says is a private Facebook account “the world is better off without [Kirk] in it” and “[Kirk’s] kids are better off living in a world without a disgusting psychopath like him.”

Previous Coverage: Assistant professor Tamar Shirinian sues UT, claims firing over Charlie Kirk comments violated free speech

Since then, Shirinian has sued the university, a

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