Last week, Western Kentucky University’s “employee benefit committee” voted 8 to 6 against allowing benefits for both same-sex and opposite-sex unmarried partners. According to school officials, only about a handful of university employees would actually qualify for the “domestic partner” benefits if the university was to offer it.

As of right now the issue is tabled indefinitely, but the discussion over the committee’s decision isn’t.

“Even groups who are not affected by domestic partnership benefits, what they like to work in a workplace where there is equal treatment for all and fair treatment for all,” says Western Kentucky University Associate History Professor, Dr. Patricia Minter. Also an “employee benefits” committee member, Dr. Minter doesn’t think that’s happening.

The issue was first brought up last year after resolutions were passed by the Student Government Association and University Senate.

“A lot of students I talked to especially people that have been reaching out to me about this issue have been really interested in seeing domestic partnership benefits happen,” says Student Government Association President, Kevin Smiley.

So, Western Kentucky University Associate History Professor, Dr. Patricia Minter says when the committee recommended the university not take that step, it set them back, considering nearly 50% of all universities are on board. Especially when competing for hiring the best staff against schools like University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, who already have “domestic partner ” benefit packages themselves.

“You wouldn’t take a job if you knew your partner wouldn’t be able to have benefits,” says Dr. Minter.

“Its a definite competitive issue about whether you can attract the best faculty,” adds Smiley.

Minter and Smiley both say the measure goes a long way to leveling the playing field for not only heterosexual couples but also gay and lesbian employees on campus.

Both also believe the issue will see the light of day again soon.

“I think its gonna happen. Its just a matter of getting all the people in the right place at the right time to make it happen,” notes Smiley.

Tony Glisson of WKU’s Human Resources says some of the reason for voting down the recommendation had to do with extra cost concerns. Also, the fact that such a small number of employees would actually be participating kept the recommendation from being approved.

However, even if Western Kentucky University’s Employee Benefit Committee approved the measure to extend domestic-partner benefits, it would still be subject to final approval from the Board of Regents (the Board members are appointed by the Governor).

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a public university in Bowling Green. It was formally founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, though its roots reach back a quarter-century earlier. The university currently has nearly 20,000 students.

Copyright 2010 Gray Television, Inc., Reported by: Reporter: Ryan Dearbone
Copyright 2010 United We Stand Media, LLC., Reported by: Tony Begley