Evening Buzz: Targeted Students Speaks Out
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
Tonight in an exclusive 360° interview, the openly gay student body president at the University of Michigan whose been attacked by the state's Assistant Attorney General breaks his silence.
Hear what Chris Armstrong has to say about the blog written by Andrew Shirvell. In postings the assistant A.G., who is an alum of the university, claims Armstrong has a "radical homosexual agenda."
Shirvell has taken a voluntary leave of absence from his state job, according to the Michigan A.G.'s office. Meanwhile, Armstrong is seeking an order of protection against Shirvell.
We've talked with Shirvell and his boss, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, who say the blog is covered under the first amendment as free speech. Though, Cox did admit Shirvell's actions didn't amount to cyberbullying. Still, Cox said there are no laws against cyberbullying in Michigan. Tonight, don't miss what Armstrong has to say about the controversy that’s gained national attention.
There's also breaking news out of North Carolina where a federal grand jury in Raleigh has issued a "sizable number of subpoenas" in its investigation of former presidential candidate John Edwards. That information is coming from Edwards' attorney. We'll bring you the latest.
Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET.
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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People think they can hide behind the 1st ammendment and say/write what ever they want without regard to what it may do to their "victim". That is NOT what the 1st ammendment should allow when it becomes HATE crimes. The Wichita church (?) group is a perfect example of condoning bulling and hate. Their web site is even worse than the messages on their homophobic signs. Once messages such as they send can be criminalized we will have a starting point.
Even if the comments appear under Mr. Shirvill's personal blog, he is still a representative of the Attorney General's office. Any employee should know this,and act responsively. These words are cutting, hurtful and serve no purpose coming from the AG's office. Let Shirvell learn a costly lesson. Every action has and equal and oppostie reaction.
I'm so glad Chris Armstrong has decided to speak out about the bullying he has faced from the Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell. Chris is obviously a strong young person who felt the need to speak up to bring attention to the epidemic facing younger gay people, and I have great respect that he did this without making it about him. He should be proud of himself. As a Michigan resident I am ashamed of both the Attorney General and Andrew Shirvell, the have put the entire state of Michigan under national scrutiny with their behavior. Thank you for diligently researching and reporting on this story. I also commend you on your coverage of the epidemic kids are facing due to bullying.
I am embarrassed for Michigan that a prominent state official – in the legal dept at that! – can be carrying on with this type of behavior and no sees fit to remind him that he should be an exemplar of civil conduct.
Can it be possible that no one recognizes that his behavior compromises his ability to speak in any Michigan court on cases of harassment?
I do not blame the Assistant Attorney General who, it seems, has lost his legal and moral compass, rather I blame his boss who has abdicated his responsibility to the people of Michigan by allowing this situation to continue.
I am sure bullying, harassment and stalking reaches world wide. It's a shame.
Tonight's interview with Chris Armstrong highlights the contrast between Chris and the Assistant Attorney General. Chris Armstrong is a gentleman, Andrew Shirvell is not. It is remarkable that such disparity is so evident between Chris and Andrew Shirvell. What a pity that an adult, who supposedly serves the people, is miles behind a college student in maturity, intelligence, and compassion. Andrew Shirvell shames the state of Michigan. I am at a loss to explain why this man is still employed.
I think it is despicable that an Assistant District Attorney should be doing this to anyone, much less a college student. He should be removed from his position immediately for conduct unbecoming an officer.
As a high school teacher, we hear constantly about valuing diversity and building up others. This "adult" is belittling another person and should be required to leave his job and pay a fine for the suffering caused Chris Armstrong. Chris seems like an intelligent, thoughtful person and has a great futre ahead of him.
This type of behavior from a federal employee is absolutely inexcusable. Certainly, Mr. Shirvell has a right to his opinion, but in lieu of recent events, his comments are in bad taste and promote the very behaviors and perspectives that bipartisan progressives are seeking to eradicate.