As it now stands, George Mason University (and other Virginia public colleges and universities) are at a disadvantage in relation to many higher education institutions because of our lack of equitable policies and benefits to domestic partners. I have watched several valued Mason colleagues leave here to work for other universities, in large part because of this inequity. I also know that recruiting the best faculty and staff to Mason is currently compromised, as more and more higher ed institutions add health care and other benefits for more than just their married employees.

This proposal makes good business sense and it is the right thing to do.