Column: MU should encourage gay rights
Published March 16, 2010
This week I'm writing in response to a small bit of MU news that slipped under the radar for most, I believe.
I want to use my column this week to openly lobby for Chancellor Brady Deaton, Provost Brian Foster, UM system President Gary Forsee and the entire UM system Board of Curators to approve the same-sex domestic partner benefits resolution.
I know insurance benefits for same-sex domestic partners at one university, or even a system of universities, probably won't have a national impact on the gay rights dialogue, but I think it's very important this university takes a stand on what's right.
The distinction in this proposal that makes it more of a "statement" on the issue rather than just a change in regulations is benefits would be offered to domestic partners of MU faculty and staff in same-sex relationships, but it would not be offered to unmarried domestic partners of heterosexual faculty and staff.
By this small stipulation, the UM system is making a broad statement about gay rights.
Those who would be married but are hindered by state law now have an avenue to secure some of the benefits they are being denied.
The proposal doesn't cover unmarried heterosexual partners because they are allowed to marry whenever they wish. Call it a form of LGBTQ affirmative action.
I know the concepts of increasing health care coverage, providing for more employees' families, securing benefits to unmarried gay people and spending money will be abhorrent to a lot of far-right conservatives.
I fully expect this proposal to have its detractors and enemies. However, I have a lot of faith in the people who run this institution.
This is the same campus that recently decided to include transgender students under its equal protections statutes. This campus has increasingly been aware of the need to encourage diversity and understanding across the board and has implemented the highly ambitious Diversity Initiative.
This campus has shown itself to be tolerant and progressive.
I've said before the struggle for gay rights in this country is this generation's civil rights movement. Those who fight for acceptance and governmental recognition know any victory, however small or large, should be celebrated with pride and serve as encouragement for the times ahead.
That's why I believe this proposal is such a big deal.
In the broad scope of measures, proposals, initiatives and rhetoric being promoted to bring both public opinion and the law into the 21st century, this small Midwestern university and its insurance policies don't seem like a crusade for rights.
However, this is an excellent opportunity for MU students to voice their opinions. Because we are so close to the issue, our ideas and opinions can be heard that much more loudly.
I would encourage everyone who supports gay rights to keep an eye on this case and to correspond with members of the Board of Curators.
Jordan Stein is a senior political science major and a campaign volunteer for mayoral candidate Sid Sullivan. She can be reached at jesf25@mizzou.edu.