It's about time.

The two words so feared by some, yet so crucial to equality for others -- "sexual orientation" -- will finally have their day in court. Make that, their day in Keller Conference Center.

President Thomas will present the University Faculty Senate's recommendation to add "sexual orientation" to the University's non-discrimination policy at the May 16-17 University Board of Trustees meeting.

Last month the Faculty Senate voted to support a clause that specifies sexual orientation and rejected President Thomas' ambiguous 56-word proposal. Thomas has agreed to take the senate's stance to the trustees.

Only the adaptation of "sexual orientation" will provide equal protection for the University's gay, lesbian and bisexual community. Hopefully the trustees will realize this.

Leaders in the fight for including "sexual orientation" must not stop their efforts now. In fact, it is more important than ever to continue lobbying. Getting the proposal before the board is encouraging, but success will only come with its approval and implementation.

Since many trustees do not live here in Happy Valley, they may be unaware of the support there is for the clause. Student leaders must attend the meeting and make this support known.

Students can also get involved by writing or calling administrators and trustees. More support may mean more consideration from the trustees.

Without the word "sexual orientation," discrimination against gay men, lesbians and bisexuals remains legal at the University. Such discrimination holds life-shaping consequences for students who can be refused work or housing, for faculty who may be refused tenure and for University staff who might be fired because of their sexual orientation.

May 16 and 17 will be telling days. They will tell if the University will continue to sanction discrimination against about 10 percent of its commmunity. They will tell if the University will move toward judging people on their abilities and accomplishments instead of on their sexual orientation. They will tell if the trustees recognize that gay men, lesbians and bisexuals deserve the protection afforded to everyone else at this University.

The trustees must take a firm stance against oppression and vote to include "sexual orientation" in the University's non-discrimination policy.