Members of the Undergraduate Student Government and University Student Advisory Board will recommend to the University Faculty Senate today that the University add the words "sexual orientation" to its non-discrimination clause.

Neither group supports University President Joab Thomas's suggested amendment, which aims to prevent discrimination but does not specifically protect gay men and lesbians.

Gerard Louison, vice president of Black Caucus and a USAB member, called Thomas' clause "problematic" because it could lead to judgment calls.

Some USG senators agreed.

"It's just too vague," said Pollock Senator Ken Powers, adding Thomas' clause is so broad it could deem many situations discriminatory. The issue at hand is protecting sexual orientation rights, he said.

"The inclusion of the words 'sexual orientation' would accomplish in two words what Dr. Thomas' (more lengthy) clause wants to do," West Halls Senator Mark Stewart said.

USG sent a letter in November to the University Board of Trustees asking for a clause. Then, after Thomas announced his amendment, the senate passed a resolution that favored including the words "sexual orientation" over the proposed amendment.

USAB also sent a letter supporting sexual orientation protection before Thomas announced his amendment, and in recent meetings members agreed adding the words "sexual orientation" would be most effective.

USG Senate President Kurt Derr will speak on behalf of USG at 1:30 p.m. and USAB President Ken Martin will speak for the board at 2:45 p.m.