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Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners
December 20 , 2004
TO: Deans, Directors and Administrative Officers
FR: Paul N. Courant
Colleagues:
Last month’s passage of Proposal 2 in the State of Michigan has resulted in significant concern from members of the University community – faculty, staff and students alike – about its potential impact on our ability to continue to offer health care and other benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of U-M employees. The proposal, which passed by 8.6 percent, will result in our state’s constitution being amended last week to declare that “a union of one man and one woman shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose.” This development, coupled with the intensity of recent news coverage and speculation about the amendment’s impact, is fueling concerns in the U-M community.
It is important at this time that we remind ourselves and our colleagues of our continued commitment to each other and to the values of the University of Michigan. The benefits we offer are an important means we use as an employer to help recruit and retain the best faculty and staff nationally. They also reveal our principles and demonstrate our dedication to an inclusive environment based on respect and equity for all members of our community. Our intent remains consistent. We will continue to offer these benefits as we have for the past ten years, and, if challenged, we will vigorously defend our right to do so.
University Human Resources has created a website containing statements from President Coleman and others on this subject as well as links to detailed information about the benefits available to eligible same-sex domestic partners. You can reach the site at: www.umich.edu/~hraa/ssdp/.
I encourage you to distribute this information among faculty and staff in your units and appreciate your support in reinforcing the University’s continuing commitment to all members of our community.
Paul N. Courant
Provost and Executive Vice President
for Academic Affairs
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