Proposed changes to employee benefits bolster inclusion on campus
Chancellor Nancy Cantor explained the recently proposed changes to the employee benefits package Wednesday. One component of the proposal is to provide same-sex domestic partners with $1,000 to offset the federal tax imposed on them but not applied to heterosexual couples. Cantor said Syracuse University is working toward creating a more inclusive community through the proposed changes.
The administration, through this action, now reflects the LGBT-friendly environment the student body has already been recognized for. It’s an admirably progressive step by the university to foster a culture of equality that the state does not provide.
Other components of the proposal have also stirred strong debate.
SU proposed that opposite-sex couples who live together but choose not to get married will now receive the same health benefits as married couples. While some professors support this proposal, others feel that they should not have to aid couples who have simply chosen not to marry.
But SU is being consistent and equally progressive in trying to create a more equal community. The institution of marriage is changing, and just like the homosexual tax offset, it is admirable for the university to be out in front of institutional change.
But the university needs to be clear about who qualifies under the new proposal to make sure progressive policies aren’t muddled by ambiguity.
SU has only held one open forum in regards to the proposed changes. In order to create a new and successful employee benefits package, the university needs to hold more open forums and meetings in order to give more employees a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.
While more needs to be worked out in the proposal, the university is taking a step in the right direction in trying to foster a more inclusive community.
