UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH TO SET UP COMMITTEE TO REVIEW SAME-SEX BENEFITS

PITTSBURGH, May 22 -- The University of Pittsburgh will establish a special committee to study the issues involved in determining whether to extend health insurance benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of employees. The committee membership will include representatives from the principle constituencies of the University - faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni, and trustees. Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg will appoint the members of the committee, and the group will report its findings and recommendations to the Chancellor at the conclusion of the study.

The parties involved in the Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission proceeding and the University's equity action in the Court of Common Pleas have agreed to stay the further prosecution of all pending litigation on the issue of same-sex benefits. This moratorium opened the way for the establishment of the committee.

In addition, this moratorium opens the way to a full and impartial exploration of the ramifications and implications of the policy options available to the University. It also affirms the value of dialogue among the members of the University community in addressing complex and controversial issues. With the agreement to put the litigation on hold, the parties have moved toward establishing the climate that permits the University an appropriate examination of the issues involved.

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