LANSING – In a brief order the Michigan Supreme Court says it will not get involved in an unemployment benefits case regarding former assistant attorney for the state, Andrew Shirvell, who was fired in 2010 after stalking and harassing the openly gay University of Michigan Student Body President Chris Armstrong.
Shirvell made headlines in 2010 when it was discovered that in addition to working for the state, Shirvell ran an online blog titled "Chris Armstrong Watch" where he posted photos and anti-gay comments about Armstrong.
Shirvell was later fired from his position after an investigation found that he used state computers to persecute and harass Armstrong, calling the then student body president a "radical homosexual activist," a Nazi, and "Satan's representative on the student assembly."
Armstrong sued Shirvell for stalking, harassment and defamation of character in 2011. A 2012 jury awarded Armstrong $4.5 million in monetary damages for the defamation.
On Feb. 2, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a federal jury correctly found Shirvell liable for defamation, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and stalking for his relentless campaign against Armstrong.
State Supreme Court Refuses Unemployment Case Of Former State Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell
Read More
Why So Many Local Queer Folks Are Flocking to Mishpacha, Temple Beth Emeth’s Thriving LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
Ari Smith was a little worried when her rabbi called to ask her about something he was noticing in her part of the sanctuary during weekly services at Temple [...]
Why a Local Academic Is Fostering Queer Discussion and Community Through an Old-Fashioned Book Club
Queer books on public library shelves have come under fire across the country in recent years, but you wouldn’t know it at the Ypsilanti District Library [...]
Biden-Harris Campaign Launches LGBTQ+ Voter Initiative at Affirmations — How You Can Get Involved in the 2024 Election
The election season is officially heating up in Michigan, with a special focus on queer voters. On April 10, local and statewide community leaders and elected [...]
Tips on Selecting a Wedding Venue When You’re Stuck on the ‘Where’
One of the most critical decisions engaged couples will make is choosing a ceremony and reception venue. These choices will impact almost every other choice, so [...]
How the Recently Passed Michigan Family Protection Act Will Safeguard LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
Michigan Democrats have held a “trifecta” of power since late 2022 when the party flipped both chambers of the House and won the governorship and [...]
Let's *Not* Say Forever and Other Ways LGBTQ+ Folks Are Queering Their Wedding Vows
My perhaps ill-advised decision to permit connection with my extremely heterosexual and extremely traditional mom on social media has resulted in many [...]
