In response to controversy concerning whether the University can or should offer benefits to same-sex domestic partners, several students are attempting to highlight what they say is student support for such a move.
Fourth-year College student Blair Reeves is spearheading an effort to place a referendum on the March election ballot asking students whether the University should extend health benefits to domestic partners of University employees if it becomes legally possible under Virginia law. In a related move, Will Sowers, Student Council vice president for administration, plans to introduce a resolution at tonight's Council meeting endorsing a General Assembly bill that some hope could allow the University to extend the benefits.
House Bill 1016 currently states that health insurance coverage can be extended to any person "who the insured group member elects, provided that the extension of coverage to such person is made with the concurrence of the insurer and the group policyholder."
While the University operates under a self-insured health benefits program, spokesperson Carol Wood said it is unclear whether the bill would grant state public institutions the authority to extend such benefits.
"Our initial reading of the bill was that it was directed at private industry," Wood said. "Clearly, the University is following this closely. It's terrific that students are interested in these important issues that affect so many people in the University community."
Sowers said Council would seek legal advice regarding whether the bill would allow the University to extend health benefits to same-sex partners.
He said Council has e-mailed Gov. Mark R. Warner's office as well as University administrators who know more about the issue.
"Regardless of the effect of the bill on the University, we are pushing for some type of resolution that would extend domestic partner benefits," Sowers said. "Whether they extend to health care or soft benefits, we are sure that the University can offer some same-sex benefits."
Proponents of the referendum and resolution said they feel confident of student support for the measures, but acknowledged that it is unclear whether the University would be able to offer domestic benefits in the near future.
Two University alumni recently established the Web site DontGivetoUVA.com, which urges donors to stop contributing to the University until it extends benefits to same-sex domestic partners.
Queer Student Union Co-President Luke Ward said following the Web site's establishment, several students who agreed with its advocacy argued that the student body would support extending benefits to domestic partners.
"I think the discussions that came up after the DontGivetoUVA.com Web site came up have made people realize that U.Va. is behind its peer institutions on this," Ward said. "Student opinion is far removed from the opinion of state legislators on this."
Sowers expressed confidence that Council would pass the resolution.
"I have complete faith that this resolution will pass," Sowers said. "Students understand the utility and the value of these benefits -- they would attract faculty and improve the quality of life for staff in general."
The referendum has received the official support of the QSU, the National Organization for Women, Planned Parenthood, U.Va. Pride and the Staff Union at the University of Virginia. Several groups, including the QSU and Planned Parenthood, have collected signatures supporting the referendum.
The referendum must be signed by at least 900 students by 5 p.m. tomorrow to be included on the election ballot. As of yesterday evening, Reeves had collected at least 300 signatures, with many sheets still circulating. Organizers tabled on the Lawn yesterday and plan to do so again today.
Editor's note: Blair Reeves, a columnist for the Cavalier Daily, had no role in the writing or editing of this story.
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