At the July 9 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Ohio State finally lived up to a pledge made when the Diversity Action Plan was written in 2000. After resolutions by the three student governments, by USAC, and by the University Senate, after proposals from the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Academic Affairs, after efforts by the President and Provost, the Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to extend health benefits to the domestic partners of faculty, staff, and students at Ohio State.
There are many OSU administrators who have supported this effort for some time including past presidents and provosts of the University; Larry Lewellen, Associate Vice President for Human Resources; Bill Hall, Vice President for Student Affairs; and Barbara Snyder, Executive Vice President and Provost. Each of these deserves recognition and thanks for their commitment to the GLBT community at Ohio State.
What has made the difference this year is that Karen Holbrook and Tami Longaberger had the courage and strength of character to push harder than any previous president or Board chair. Their actions demonstrate a commitment to diversity that Ohio State has not yet seen before. No longer is heterosexism institutionalized at the University. As a gay male, I finally feel welcome in the OSU community.
I have admired both Holbrook and Longaberger since I met them; now my respect for them has grown and deepened. Words cannot express the thanks that I and the rest of the University owe them. Their leadership is making Ohio State a stronger University. When I think of the University’s marketing campaign slogan “do something great” I will always think of what they accomplished at the July Board meeting.
J. Briggs CormierPh.D. Candidate, Theatre
