Whereas the University of Illinois has a non-discrimination policy which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and,

Whereas same-sex domestic partners in exclusive and enduring relationships are not allowed to marry and,

Whereas the University of Illinois systematically discriminates against employees who have same-sex domestic partners by not providing spousal benefits to those partners and,

Whereas other public and private universities, including the University of Iowa, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Chicago, now provide health benefits to same-sex domestic partners and,

Whereas statistics show that the cost to institutions providing these benefits is minimal,

We urge the University of Illinois to comply with its own non-discrimination policy by extending to same-sex partners of its employees all benefits now extended to married partners of employees and,

We urge the Board of Trustees to implement immediately those solutions within its powers to rectify this inequity and to seek permanent remedy in any state directives that limit equity in same-sex partner benefits.