Educators disciplined over Charlie Kirk posts are securing big payouts

Since Kirk was assassinated in September, schools have been paying out hundreds of thousands of dollars in cases brought by educators who allege their free speech rights were violated.University of Tennessee assistant professor Tamar Shirinian in December.Brianna Paciorka / The Knoxville News-Sentinel via USA Today Network fileJuly 3, 2026, 8:21 AM EDTNearly a year after educators across the country faced discipline for criticizing Charlie Kirk online after the conservative activist was assassinated, a growing number are securing six- and seven-figure settlements in lawsuits alleging their employers violated their free speech rights.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.