LANSING, Mich. – An assistant state attorney general accused of harassing the gay student assembly president at the University of Michigan has been fired.
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Andrew Shirvell went on leave a month ago after national criticism erupted over a blog he wrote characterizing Chris Armstrong as a "racist" and "liar" who promoted a "radical homosexual agenda."
The 30-year-old had been facing a disciplinary hearing in Lansing and his attorney, Phillip Thomas, had argued that Shirvell's actions were constitutionally protected.
But Attorney General Mike Cox said Shirvell was terminated from his position for "conduct unbecoming a state employee."
Cox said he did not fire Shirvell for exercising his First Amendment rights, but for violating office policies, engaging in borderline stalking behavior and inappropriately using state resources.
Cox also said Shirvell lied to investigating assistant attorneys general on several occasions during his disciplinary hearing.
Armstrong's attorney, Deborah Gordon, said she intended to press forward a request to the Attorney Grievance Commission that Shirvell be disbarred.