State of the Union

Ohio University
Kyle McKenzie

In 1997-98, Ohio University created the GLBT Task Force to study the needs of GLBT students. At the time the task force began its work, there were no services on campus for GLBT students. As a result of the Report of the Task Force, a part-time "Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Program Coordinator" position has been created, and the coordinator, Laura Harrison, has been given an office in the student center. Some of the projects which she has set into motion include the formation of the "GLBT Advisory Committee" and the "Residence Life Ally Group", both of which were recommended by the Task Force Report. In addition, a GLBT Resource Library has been started. I represented the Office of International Student & Faculty Services on the GLBT Task Force, and I am now a member of the GLBT Advisory Committee.

The University of Washington
Peter Voeller

There was a statement from the president of the University acknowledging and supporting the Lesbigay student organization. The current president is very supportive of gay and lesbian rights, but the other university administrators are not, sort of like Clinton and the Republicans...

Anti-gay vandalism in the dormitories prompted a forum and discussion of whether or not there should be a 'Gay Bisexual Lesbian Transgendered-friendly floor'. Some felt this was separatist thinking and others thought it was timely.

State Representative Ed Murray, the Legislature's only openly gay representative, came to the UW to talk about the new domestic partnership bill that he’s trying to introduce. The bill would extend bereavement and sick leave to state employees who are registered domestic partners. Locally, Microsoft and the city of Seattle already recognize domestic partners and extends them the same benefits as it does for employee spouses. There was an issue about whether partners could get spouse passes at the campus gym and it was decided that they could.