What's the deal? Assistant AG vs U of M student

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Michigan
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<p>Assistant</a> attorney general blogs against gay student body president - CNN.com</p>

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[quote]
For nearly six months, Andrew Shirvell, an assistant attorney general for the state of Michigan, has waged an internet campaign against college student Chris Armstrong, the openly gay student assembly president at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Using the online moniker "Concerned Michigan Alumnus," Shirvell launched his blog in late April.</p>

<p>"Welcome to 'Chris Armstrong Watch,'" Shirvell wrote in his inaugural blog post. "This is a site for concerned University of Michigan alumni, students, and others who oppose the recent election of Chris Armstrong -- a RADICAL HOMOSEXUAL ACTIVIST, RACIST, ELITIST, & LIAR -- as the new head of student government."</p>

<p>Among other things, Shirvell has published blog posts that accuse Armstrong of going back on a campaign promise he made to minority students; engaging in "flagrant sexual promiscuity" with another male member of the student government; sexually seducing and influencing "a previously conservative [male] student" so much so that the student, according to Shirvell, "morphed into a proponent of the radical homosexual agenda"; hosting a gay orgy in his dorm room in October 2009; and trying to recruit incoming first-year students "to join the homosexual 'lifestyle.'"</p>

<p>Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has declined to comment directly about Shirvell's comments, saying he is pursuing legal action against the civil servant, who works on the blog during his off-hours.

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<p>What's going on here? I saw this on CNN today, but haven't heard anything about it. </p>

<p>I go to MSU so it hasn't really been talked about here, but I was wondering if maybe it had been known around U of M's campus. </p>

<p>The Assistant Attorney General is leading a smear and hate campaign against this student for simply being gay? Am I missing something here?</p>

<p>I find this man deplorable and I hope the U of M student body is rallying around this student, if indeed Shirvell is merely going after Armstrong because he is gay. </p>

<p>Any thoughts from you guys on this? I for one hope this man is promptly removed from his position. I don't particularly enjoying our tax dollars paying for this man's salary when he is supposed to be representing us. </p>

<p>My sympathies to Armstrong. No one deserves this kind of treatment. No one.</p>

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<p>No, an Assistant Attorney General is not leading a smear and hate campaign.</p>

<p>Andrew Shirvell, who just happens to be an Assistant AG, is leading a smear and hate campaign, in his off hours, according to the article. Your tax dollars are not being misappropriated.</p>

<p>In this case especially, don’t confuse the office with the person and his activities outside the office.</p>

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<p>I think these statements contradict each other. A person who is an assistant attorney general is indeed leading a smear and hate campaign. No where did I say or imply that it was during his office hours. </p>

<p>I said I didn’t want my tax dollars funding him- period. He is supposed to be representing us, and I don’t enjoy someone like that representing us. There’s really nothing I can do about it, but I don’t like it.</p>

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<p>I hadn’t heard anything about this. I am speechless.</p>

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<p>I saw a snippet of this on CNN last night - I was appalled. The assistant AG was being interviewed; IMHO I thought he came across as someone who should be screened for mental health issues. It wasn’t simply that I disagree with his beliefs regarding homosexuality, he truly seemed to be living in a reality all his own. Even his smear campaign is logically inconsistant; he drew swastikas on pictures of Armstrong and posted them on the internet - does anyone remember the Nazi party as a big supporter of gay radicals??? I think it’s time for an intervention.</p>

<p>My heart goes out to Armstrong - I would like to see students on campuses everywhere show their support.</p>

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<p>^ I agree. I question his judgement and therefore question whether or not he should have that job. </p>

<p><em>sigh</em> Apparently there is a criminal investigation going on. Details of it have not been released yet.</p>

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<p>I hadn’t heard anything about this until today when I picked up the Michigan Daily and saw it on the front page. To be honest I think it’s complete garbage. I talked to Mr. Armstrong at the MSA meeting and also at Festifall and he was a genuinely nice guy who seems to care a lot about Michigan and its student body. To think someone in the position of Assistant Attorney General is trying to rally anti-gay hate towards him is appalling. Another reason why Michigan sucks as a state (the other being their ■■■■■■■■ MIP laws haha). It sucks that he has to deal with this.</p>

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<p>Why, when I hear the name Andrew Shirell, does the term ‘latent homosexuality’ come to mind?</p>

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<p>You know, I thought he was obsessive just when I watched the videos on the news and whatnot, but I actually tried to read the blog and each entry must go on for pages. I hope Chris isn’t in danger. This guy is scary and I don’t have a doubt in my mind he has some kind of issue.</p>

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<p>There is a thread on this topic in Parent Forum.</p>

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<p>I was so speechless seeing the Michigan State Atorney General defending his assistant to do what ever he wants to say during off hours even if it includes hate and obsessive stalking. Mike Cox is simply saying it is ok to bully folks in Cyper as long as your off the clock under Mr. Cox’s leadership. The assistant attorney general obvioulsy looks like he needs some type of intervention, but what was really disturbing was The attorney generals response and his defense for Mr.Schirvell. I was more upset with Mike Cox’s non action in this case…wow an attorney general in a state defending hate…Just another case of a misguided, hateful, republican…one of to many…we need to educate Mike Cox…quickly…maybe Log Cabin Republicans will get up and speak out…</p>