Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Partner benefits rally planned tomorrow at EKU

A group of students wants Eastern Kentucky University to be the next public school to offer domestic partner benefits to faculty and staff.

The students will hold a rally tomorrow in support of EKU extending health benefits to unmarried couples, both gay and straight.

...A university committee is looking at the possibility of offering such benefits, EKU President Doug Whitlock said in an interview last night.

"It is certainly being reviewed," said Whitlock, who was approached earlier this month by two students asking that the university offer partner benefits.

Whitlock said he told the students that he "believes in fundamental fairness" and that he thought institutions should be allowed to decide what benefits they offer. He also told the students of the benefits committee's review.

Whitlock, who took office last month, said he has not had an opportunity to discuss the issue with the university's board of regents.

Tomorrow's rally is being organized by the EKU Pride Alliance, a student group focused on gay, lesbian and transgender issues, said university spokesman Marc Whitt. It will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the EKU Ravine.

Kentucky Fairness Alliance Executive Director Christine Gilgor is scheduled to speak at the rally.

This from the Courier-Journal.

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