State to fund domestic partner benefits

Governor O'Malley submitted regulations earlier this week to fund domestic partner benefits.  This has been a long-and-coming proposal that students and faculty of the USM have long supported.

Equality Maryland, an advocacy organization for LGBTQA individuals, has supported the long-overdue policy.  According to the Diamondback, the proposal could cost the state $1 to $3 million. 

USM Chancellor Kirwan has been a vocal supporter for the proposal.  In a press release by Equality Maryland, he said, "This health care policy change is long overdue for our university employees," said University of Maryland System Chancellor William E. Kirwan.  "The University of Maryland is one of only ten campuses in the 60-member Association of American Universities that does not offer domestic partner benefits to its faculty, and this has impacted our ability to recruit and retain the best talent. Gov. O'Malley's proposal will enable us to bridge this gap."

The policy should have a significant impact on recruiting top-notch faculty, and also is a step in the direction of making our universities more inclusive.