We’re not sure what section of the finding aid you were looking for; you've been redirected to the collection main page. Please contact us if you cannot find what you're looking for.

Back to top

University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

See More About This Repository

Address:

1150 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA
bentley.ref@umich.edu

Christopher Armstrong papers, 2008-2015

Navigate the Collection

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
Restrictions:
The collection is open to research. Access to some online material is restricted to the Bentley Historical Library Reading Room.

More ...

Summary

Creator:
Armstrong, Christopher H.
Abstract:
Christopher H. Armstrong was the first openly gay student body president of the Michigan Student Assembly at the University of Michigan. This collection documents his undergraduate experience, speaking engagements, and the lawsuit Christopher Armstrong v. Andrew Shirvell in which Armstrong was represented by attorney Deborah Gordon. Materials include court documents, news articles, television news coverage including interviews with Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, speeches, notes, and correspondence.
Extent:
1 linear foot (1 box)
18.2 GB
Language:
English
Call Number:
2014124 Aa 2
Authors:
Finding aid created by Lilly Carrel, August 2017.

Background

Scope and Content:

The collection documents the experiences of Christopher Armstrong, the first openly gay student body president of the University of Michigan, during his tenure as an undergraduate student, president of the Michigan Student Assembly (MSA), and the lawsuit he brought against a Michigan's assistant attorney general, Andrew Shirvell. Materials include court documents, news articles, television news coverage, speeches, notes, correspondence, and student government material between 2008 and 2015.

Biographical / Historical:

Christopher "Chris" Armstrong was born in 1989, the son Steven Holm and Cynthia Rex Armstrong. Chris attended Ridgefield High School, in Ridgefield Connecticut, and graduated in 2007. He attended the University of Michigan, where he became involved in Michigan's gay community.

In 2010, Armstrong was elected president of the Michigan Student Assembly, making him the first openly gay student body president of the University of Michigan. Armstrong ran as a part of MForward, a party he and vice president Jason Raymond helped found. During and after Armstrong's election, an assistant attorney general for the state of Michigan, Andrew Shirvell, engaged in an online and in-person "campaign" against Armstrong. Armstrong sued Shirvell for defamation, false light invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and stalking. In 2015 the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision in favor of Armstrong.

Christopher H. Armstrong graduated from the University of Michigan in 2011 and currently lectures on topics such as cyberbullying and harassment.

Acquisition Information:
Donated by Christopher Armstrong (donor no. 10624 ), with additions from Steven and Cynthia Armstrong, in multiple accessions between 2011 and 2015.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into three series: University of Michigan Activities, Christopher Armstrong v. Andrew Shirvell, and Speaking Engagements. The Armstrong v. Shirvell series is further organized into the following three sub-series: Court Documents, Family Legal File, and Press and Media Coverage.

Accruals:

No further additions to the records are expected.

Rules or Conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open to research.

Access to some online material is restricted to the Bentley Historical Library Reading Room.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Donor has transferred any applicable copyright to the Regents of the University of Michigan but the collection may contain third-party materials for which copyright was not transferred. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[item], folder, box, Christopher Armstrong papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.

[item], [URL], Christopher Armstrong papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.

Back to top

Collection

Christopher Armstrong papers, 2008-2015
Call Number 2014124 Aa 2
Total components 72
Items available online Online 27
Last indexed 2023-12-08