OC makes monumental change to benefits policy

     On September 15 of last year, the Ohio House passed an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) equality bill — the first time in state history that such legislation passed either of the Ohio General Assemblies.

     Known as the Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA), the bill prohibits discrimination of employment, housing and public accommodations based on an applicant's sexual orientation or gender identity.

     Though this is quite an achievement for the state, the EHEA is now being reviewed by the Senate. Some speculate that the legislation may encounter some opposition.

     But with 21 states and 16 Ohio cities — all but two of which are home to public universities — with laws addressing the same issue, doesn't it seem like it's time for Ohio to catch up?

     But while the EHEA bill is stalled in the Senate, Otterbein has decided to address this movement with the implementation of equality standards all their own.

     This month, the school's Board of Trustees approved the motion to include domestic partners among those eligible to receive college benefits, on the basis that the relationship has been going on for at least 12 months.

     According to the policy, a domestic partnership is defined by the college as two unrelated individuals who share necessities of life, live together and have had an emotional and financial commitment to one another for a minimum of twelve months.

     In addition, partners cannot be married to someone else, have any additional partners or be related by blood closer than the criteria for marriage allowed by the state of Ohio.

     Legal dependent children of the partners will be able to receive the benefits as well.

     This new policy comes about as an effort to continually pursue equality, as stated in Otterbein's mission statement: "The mission of Otterbein College is to educate the whole person in acontext that fosters the development of humane values."

     The open enrollment period for these health benefits will begin during the month of June, while the benefits actually become effective July 1, 2010. Earlier this year, I attempted to inform the Otterbein community about the passing of the EHEA in the Ohio House with an opinion editorial that discussed and debated the highly controversial issue. Though it's been months since any real action has been taken, or moreover, any decision has been made, the subject remains a matter that deserves sincere consideration and a speedy resolution.

     But most of all, it's an issue that you should not only be paying attention to, but should also be outraged about.

     The issue at hand does not address the topic of gay marriage or other hotly contested issues. Rather, the EHEA simply grants rights and civil liberties to Ohio citizens that they — in my opinion — should have had long, long ago.

     Isn't the right to equal employment and housing a right that is endowed to all Americans as inhabitants of our great nation? Wouldn't you expect the same freedoms you enjoy to be shared by your fellow U.S. citizens? If yes, then let me pose this question: Why is this topic even up for debate?

     Regardless of the outcome of the Ohio EHEA bill, I am truly impressed by the advancements made by Otterbein with their inclusion of domestic partners among those able to receive their partner's college benefits.

     Not only does this effort truly emphasize the goals outlined in the college's mission statement, but it is also an example of how Otterbein is ahead of the curve in so many ways. And as an Otterbein student it gives me great pride to know that I am part of a school that emphasizes fairness and understanding and is not afraid of making changes to necessitate equal opportunity.

     So, while I may still anxiously await the verdict on the EHEA bill, I can rest assured that my alma mater will continue to be a beacon of hope and change in addressing campus issues with social resonance with compassion, evenhandedness and an open mind. t&c;

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