The death of conservative political leader Charlie Kirk has sent political shock waves across Tennessee and the United States.
Kirk was a conservative activist and cofounder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit political organization. Turning Point USA’s mission is to educate students, encourage political discourse, and “restore traditional American values like patriotism, respect for life, liberty, family, and fiscal responsibility,” according to the group.
Kirk had a profound impact on the conservative movement in Tennessee and had a large following at the University of Tennessee. He hosted one of his American Comeback Tour debate on the campus in March.
Here’s what to know about the reactions in Tennessee, including disciplinary actions against university employees, and how leaders are remembering the rising star.
University of Tennessee assistant professor faces suspension after Charlie Kirk comment
The University of Tennessee suspended and is pursuing the firing of assistant anthropology professor Tamar Shirinian, who made social media post about Kirk after his death. The post “failed to meet our expectations for civil engagement,” university leaders said.
“The world is better off without him in it,” Shirinian wrote. The comment referred to Kirk with an expletive.
Shirinian’s comment was picked up by and shared Sept. 14 by conservative activist Robby Starbuck to his nearly 845,000 followers. He called for his followers to contact the university and UT System President Randy Boyd to ask them to “act now.”
Boyd took to social media – both his personal and UT System accounts – Sept. 15 to share a statement: “Celebrating or advocating violence and murder is reprehensible and has no place at the University of Tennessee. UT Knoxville is actively investigating the matter and will take decisive action to ensure it is addressed with the full weight and attention it deserves.”
Multiple professors fired after inappropriate social media posts
Shirinian was not the first Tennessee professor to face disciplinary action after their comments about Kirk. Multiple university employees across the state have been fired.
Austin Peay State University announced the termination of Darren Michael, professor of theater, on Sept. 12.
“A faculty member of Austin Peay State University reshared a post on social media that was insensitive, disrespectful and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death,” Austin Peay President Mike Licari said in a statement.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn also called for the removal of Middle Tennessee State University’s assistant dean, Laura Sosh-Lightsy, and Cumberland University’s Michael Rex. Both have been terminated.
Will there be a Charlie Kirk Vigil at the University of Tennessee?
Yes. The University of Tennessee chapter of Turning Point USA is organizing a vigil for Charlie Kirk at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17, according to a social media post.
The memorial is for students and Knoxville community members alike, according to the group. The Charlie Kirk vigil will happen in the Alumni Memorial Building in Cox Auditorium.
What did Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee say about Charlie Kirk?
Tennessee’s governor has posted multiple times about Kirk’s death.
On Sept. 10, Gov. Bill Lee lowered the flags at the State Capitol in memory of Kirk. “@MariaLeeTN & I ask Tennesseans to join us in lifting up Charlie’s wife Erika, two children & entire family to the Lord, and to be in prayer for our Nation that is in desperate need of God’s healing.”
Lee later endorsed the University of Tennessee’s decision to fire Shirinian.
When is Charlie Kirk’s funeral?
A public memorial service for Kirk is scheduled Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, USA TODAY reported.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the service will start at 11 a.m., according to Turning Point USA. This service is first-come, first-served, based on stadium capacity.
Knox News reporter Keenan Thomas contributed to this report.
Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Charlie Kirk: Latest in Tennessee amid vigils, firings after shooting
