State Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, said the program would have been closely scrutinized during Penn State's appropriations hearings.

State Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Centre, implied that as a result, the state legislature would likely reduce Penn State's appropriations.

So, under all this pressure, Penn State President Graham Spanier decided last week that the university will not offer health benefits to employees' same-sex partners this year. Despite this opposition, Spanier should continue to work to find ways to extend these benefits to same-sex partners.

By threatening to reduce or eliminate state appropriations, lawmakers have put Penn State in an awkward position. If the policy is approved by Spanier in the future, there is a risk of a tuition increase for all students. Fewer Pennsylvania students would likely be able to afford a college education and the number of students receiving a college education in the state would likely drop.

Legislators are also sending a message that they do not fully accept and promote diversity and equality in higher education.

Seeing that there is "insufficient support," as Spanier said, for a program that will foster equity and diversity at the university does not encourage faculty members to remain at the university -- it encourages qualified individuals to look elsewhere for a more accepting and nondiscriminatory employer.

Legislators such as Benninghoff, Corman and Herman have clearly let their personal beliefs and biases interfere with their legislative duties and the policy decisions at the university.

Penn State offers services that reach to every county of the Commonwealth. It educates students from around the state, nation and world. Considering all the university offers, it seems contradictory for legislators to suggest denying funding based on disagreement with one of the university's policies.

Apparently, legislators have not considered the other messages they are sending students.

Penn State students, faculty and staff should send messages of their own. Contact your legislators at:

Herman: (717) 787-8594 or 238-5477

Benninghoff: (717) 783-1918

Corman: (717) 787-1377

Let them know Penn State will stand for such bully tactics and will not allow our legislators to promote inequality.