Chancellor’s message to campus regarding the marriage amendment

From Chancellor John D. Wiley:

“Before the Nov. 7 election, there was considerable unease on campus about the implications of the state marriage amendment. Questions concerned not only issues of fairness and tolerance, but potential impact on benefits currently afforded to domestic partners.

I would like to reassure everyone that UW–Madison will continue to be a place that rejects discrimination and respects diversity of all kinds. There is a place for all people here, and the Nov. 7 approval of this amendment does not change that commitment.

But there are lingering questions about what this amendment might mean for current and future benefits for employees. To that end, I am bringing together a group of staff from human resources, equity and diversity, and other relevant areas to review the amendment and its possible impacts. I will also be organizing a campus listening session on the week of Nov. 13-17 — date and time to be determined — to hear your concerns on this issue.

The importance of this issue and its potential impact on higher education has been well addressed among major governance groups. The UW System Board of Regents, the Faculty Senate, the Academic Staff Assembly, Associated Students of Madison and the Committee on Women are among those that have passed resolutions opposing the amendment. The Dean of Students Office has also developed a statement directed to our student body.

There is widespread recognition that the amendment could have a further chilling effect on our ability to recruit and retain faculty, staff and students. All of us, by and large, want to work, study and live in an inclusive and tolerant environment, and we will remain committed to that cause.