LGBT community vows to continue long battle

By ALEXANDRA RODRIGUEZ
Collegian Staff Writer

Although there are many obstacles the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community has to overcome, it is ready to move forward with its political agenda.

Last Thursday, Penn State President Graham Spanier announced he declined a proposal from the University Faculty Senate for domestic partner benefits, which would guarantee benefits to the same-sex partners of university employees equal to those offered to heterosexual couples. Despite this action, members of the LGBT community say they will not give up their quest.

"I understand the LGBT community has had several setbacks, but this is not slowing us down," Evan Chasse (freshman-engineering) said. "We will still fight for support for domestic partner benefits."

Danaca Clark (sophomore-biology) said she takes a positive attitude toward the failed proposal and sees it as a chance for the LGBT community to gain more political clout.

"This is a step for the LGBT community to be stronger and work even harder to let people at Penn State, especially President Spanier, see our needs," she said.

Lambda Student Alliance is aware that Spanier personally supports same-sex benefits, but he was pressured from state legislators to nix the deal, said Heather Solimini, political co-director of LSA.

Although some members of the LGBT community understand the situation that led Spanier to his decision, others believe he should not have bowed to pressure.

"There comes a point when you have to stand up for what you believe or your life is a joke," Jennifer Dumin (sophomore-human development and family studies) said.

On the other side of the issue, members of Students Reinforcing Adherence in General Heterosexual Tradition are pleased with Spanier's decision.

Alex Cadman, president of STRAIGHT, said while he is happy with Spanier's decision, he disagrees with the reasons for it.

"I was excited that he didn't approve the plan, but I think he did it for the wrong reasons," Cadman said. "I think he would have done it if the money kept coming."

Morality should have been the reason behind Spanier's decision instead of funding, he said.

"Any step we can get for providing equal benefits to domestic partners is another step to something that is morally wrong," he said.

Members of STRAIGHT believe that Spanier's decision will not affect Penn State negatively.

However, John Katunich, political co-director of the LSA, said the university will lose out on potential students and faculty.

"This is symbolic of how committed the university is. It makes you question how committed the university is to LGBT issues," he said.

Students who disagree with Spanier's decision believe they can change the current situation by providing other alternatives to the legislators.

"The University of Michigan had a similar situation a few years ago and they said they would use funds outside state appropriations," said Erik Malewski, coordinator and advisor for the Office of the Vice Provost for Education Equity.

Increasing the visibility of those in the LGBT community is another way to gain support from state legislators, Dumin said.

"The best is to educate legislators by a sensitivity program where they actually meet people who are affected by their policy face to face," Dumin said. "Sometimes, by getting to know someone who is being hurt by what you're doing, it might change your mind."

• In depth: Spanier's decision to deny benefits to those in same-sex relationships caps off long process
• Other schools lead way with same-sex benefits