Finally, in 2004, Penn State has begun to consider treating all of its employees the same in terms of health benefits for employees' domestic partners.

The university has recently discussed expanding same-sex benefits for employees' partners, much in the same vein as the University of Pittsburgh, which offers its employees' partners health benefits regardless of their sexual orientation.

Currently, Penn State provides a minimal amount of benefits to domestic partners through the Employee Assistance Fund, which allocates money upon request for emergencies, but does not provide coverage for what might be considered non-emergency situations.

This fund is supported by an anonymous donor who specified that the assistance be available for all employees of Penn State, without concern over sexual orientation.

It's good that this fund exists, but if there's a non-emergency situation, not everyone would be treated the same. This is wrong and not fair for Penn State employees.

Opening up Penn State's healthcare coverage to include same-sex domestic partners needs to be done to show the university's support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Not approving this measure would be a symbolic gesture that the university makes lifestyle judgments of its employees.

To deny an individual a privilege while others who work across the hall or right next door are able to enjoy the comfort of knowing a hospital or doctor's visit will be paid for is ludicrous, simply because they fit the 'status quo.'

We live in an era that supposedly revels in promoting social justice and the eradication of discrimination.

So why is Penn State behind the times? Shouldn't providing a healthier and more inclusive environment for everyone be at the top of the university's priorities?

Undertaking such a task might require more money, but overall, would attract a more competitive and comprehensive faculty, who might have otherwise chosen another university that lacked a discriminatory policy.

Something that levels the playing field shouldn't be under consideration, it should be implemented as policy.

When did the right thing to do become a matter of policy and politics? The university should make the decision to change their policy so that it has equal health care for all its employees.

It's time to take a step forward, look equality in the eye and be on par with other universities that realize we should treat all employees the same, regardless of sexual orientation.