Tony North (graduate-developmental psychology) and Steve Goodreau (graduate-anthropology), organizers of a petition in favor of creating same-sex partner benefits for employees of Penn State, presented Herman with a total of 2,600 signatures supporting their cause yesterday in his offices at the Allenway Building, 315 S. Allen St.

At the meeting, organizers expressed their concern about legislators threatening to withhold Penn State's appropriations if the bill to support same-sex domestic partner benefits goes through.

Herman reassured them although it will be difficult to convince the other legislators to support appropriations if the benefits were granted, he will try. He added in order to accomplish this he must get two-thirds of the General Assembly and the governor's signature on the budget proposal.

North and Goodreau were pleased Herman expressed a willingness to cooperate with attempts to gain funding for Penn State.

"I was glad to hear that he stated a position that he would not attempt to block Penn State funding," Goodreau said. "I expect a follow-up on his promise."

They were disappointed, however, that Herman still holds a personal objection to the benefits plan, and that he seemed to avoid speaking about the issue.

"He seemed to be uncomfortable about talking about the issue itself," North said. "He seemed to be avoiding the subject at the beginning as well as in the end of the meeting."

The petition organizers announced they will take copies of the petition to the state capitol in Harrisburg and present them to the legislators during the first week of April.

"On that day we'll get a chance to meet with legislators, get a lot of press and spark dialogue about the issue and how strong is the support for domestic partner benefits," Goodreau said.

The petition drive will continue for the next month and the organizers encouraged students to participate in the gathering of signatures.