Asst. AG Andrew Shirvell takes leave of absence amidst growing calls to have him fired

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) - A hearing set for Monday could determine if a University of Michigan student is granted a person protection order against an assistant attorney general.

Andrew Shirvell targeted a gay college student online and now has taken a personal leave of absence, according to the Attorney General's office.

Shirvell's blog the "Chris Armstrong Watch" became national news shortly after Action News aired an interview with Shirvell on September 15th. 

Chris Armstrong requested the order be taken out against Shirvell, who has been banned from setting foot on the University of Michigan Campus. 

"Campus police have issued a trespass warning prohibiting this individual from coming onto the Ann Arbor campus," said President Mary Sue Coleman in a statement.

Late Thursday, Governor Granholm has said if she was still attorney general, Shirvell would have already been fired.

The blog in question, which as of last night is only opened to invited readers, is filled with serious allegations: accusing Armstrong of being sexually active with other male students, some of whom don’t identify themselves as gay. Even saying Armstrong held “gay orgies” in his dorm room.

The alert was issued on September 13th, in response to news that Shirvell had visited Armstrong's house to protest the student.

Armstrong's request for a restraining order is scheduled to be heard in court on Monday.  In court filings, Armstrong says Shirvell's actions "are concerning and make me feel unsure about my own personal safety."

Our report sparked coverage on blogs, newspapers like the Washington Post, and even national cable networks. Three nights ago, as a result of our report, Shirvell went to CNN.

"The real bigot here is Chris Armstrong," Shirvell said to Anderson Cooper.

"I don't have any hate in my -- in my body at all. I recognize that Chris is a child of God. However, that -- just because he's a homosexual doesn't mean he gets a free pass and we can't criticize him," he said.

Attorney General Mike Cox says he disagrees with Shirvell's comments, but says that they are protected under the first amendment.

Cox  spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper Wednesday night.

"He's clearly a bully, absolutely. And is he using the Internet to be a bully? Yes," said Cox. "But is that protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution? Yes."

As for Shirvell, he remains an employee of the Attorney General’s office. Civil service rules say he could ultimately be terminated for “conduct unbecoming,” but so far, no action has been taken.

Late last night, Shirvell's blog became private and is now only visible to invited users.

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