Andrew Shirvell

Sabotage Against Those Who Care

            Andrew Shirvell couldn’t have been too surprised when he lost not only respect from others but also his career, according to Assistant Attorney General David Goodkin. “I’m not surprised Shirvell was fired but I don’t necessarily agree with that,” said Angela Giorgio, a sophomore at Michigan State University. After creating a derogatory blog bashing the University of Michigan student Chris Armstrong, Shirvell found himself the target of a media storm.

            Michigan Student Assembly President Chris Armstrong was said to be the first gay President at the University of Michigan according to the press. Abby Williams is an active participant in MSA at The University of Michigan and said she is in the same political party as Armstrong.

            “Chris is a motivational leader and it is clear that he is committed to making change within the student body by working hard to transform MSA that reaches out to hear students and take action,” said Williams.

            Williams said Armstrong is a personable individual that did not deserve to be targeted by Shirvell.

            “In my mind, Chris is 10 times the elected official that Shirvell could ever hope to be because Chris is working to serve the entire student body while accomplishing great things for LGBTQ students,” said Williams.

             Shirvell, who was Michigan’s Assistant Attorney General, had accused Armstrong of Nazi practices.

            “Chris handled this conflict with admirable poise by not communicating with the media. He truly was a role model because he maintained his authority and did not lower himself to Shirvell’s bullying tactics,” said Williams.

            To be publicly ridiculed for being gay by a high-ranking Michigan official is a heavy load to carry, Williams said.

            “After other LGBTQ individuals took their own lives because of the bullying, Chris felt the need to speak out so that others would know that there were people there for them,” said Williams.

            Williams said that Chris helped organize a vigil on campus in three locations during national coming out week to commemorate the individuals who took their lives. Attendees held white lights while different speakers spoke and musicians played.

            “I went to one of the vigils and it was extremely emotional,” said Williams.

             Williams said Shirvell would come to campus and wait outside MSA chamber meetings on Tuesday nights to try and speak with Chris and other MSA members until Chris filed a restraining order on him.

            With recent controversy in the Attorney General’s office, Armstrong’s story brought to light that most people are unaware of what the Attorney General’s office actually does. David Goodkin is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan.

            “There are 21 divisions right now in the Attorney General’s office and in the past there have been more but because of the government downsizing, some divisions have been merged such as mine,” said Goodkin.

            Goodkin said Shirvell was a part of the Appellate Division, which is not an expert field of the law and does not deal with criminal law or prosecutions. Goodkin agrees that citizens have common misconceptions about the Attorney General’s office and what they really do. This became apparent throughout the Shirvell case.

            He admits that most people throughout the Shirvell case assumed that all Attorney Generals are prosecutors and they are not.

            Michigan State sophomore Angela Giorgio said she didn’t agree with Shirvell’s public display but agreed with his thoughts.

            “I don’t think that Shirvell should’ve posted stuff like that on the Internet but I feel that he should be able to say what he wants,” Giorgio said. “He can tell his loved ones and friends but to post it online was a bit much.”

            As a conservative herself, Giorgio said that you shouldn’t have a homosexual in a high position such as president because it can cause biased thoughts.

            “In our controversial society, someone might not have as much respect for a gay president as they would for a straight one,” said Giorgio.

            Kristen Rogge, a sophomore at Michigan State University, understood why this massive blow up became national news.

            “ I cannot even imagine how Chris was feeling after becoming one of the top stories around Michigan,” Rogge said. “Being a college student at a big university myself, I can’t help but to wonder what I’d do in that situation.”

            Rogge said that the controversy Shirvell brought to the Attorney General’s office was completely unnecessary and no student deserves that kind of negative attention.