Minutes 2-16-01
about link issues link organizing link meetings link minutes link directory link documents link


February 16, 2001 Minutes

UC Santa Barbara

ATTENDING

UC Berkeley
John J. Winters

UC Davis
John Dixon
Allison Subasic

UC Irvine
Kathy Eiler
Chris Browning
Pat Walsh

UC Los Angeles
Ronni Sanlo

UC Riverside
Nancy Jean Tubbs

UC San Diego
Sarah Archibald
Angela Barrett
John O. White

UC San Francisco
Shane Snowdon, UCLGBTA Vice-Chair

UC Santa Barbara
Maurice Hudson (welcome remarks)
Peter Russell

UC Santa Cruz
Stuart Rosentein
Chad Sanger, UCLGBTA Chair

UCOP
Emily Nalven

ABSENT:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory

VISITOR
Patrick Ryan, New York

Chad Sanger convened the Steering Committee (SCOM) meeting convened at 1:30 p.m.

WELCOME. Maurice Hudson and the Conference Organizers welcomed the SCOM to Santa Barbara.

OLD BUSINESS. Chad Sanger asked SCOM members to make sure to review action items and commitments made during the past two SCOM meetings.

HOUSING UPDATE

Sarah Archibald reported that UCSD has a new Housing Director: Mark Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham looks forward to working with the campus LGBT community to increase access to Housing for students with domestic partners. At San Diego, eligibility for family housing is based on two tiers: 1) married students with children; and 2) all others. One suggestion is to change existing policy from married students with children to students with children. A serious problem is long waiting lists for those students without children. At this time UCSD has not implemented a financial means test. A Student Advisory Group also provides input on LGBT issues to Housing.

Nancy Jean Tubbs reported that the UC Riverside Housing Director has drafted a policy that is inclusive of students with DPs, but he is waiting for Systemwide approval. The SCOM discussed that there is an ability to interpret policies locally.

Ronni Sanlo reported that UC Los Angeles would soon launch new Housing policies that will provide access to students and staff with DPs. There is a priority order for:

  • Single students w/ children
  • Student couples with children
  • Couples without children

At this time, the proposed policies have received support from the Student Regent, UCLA Chancellor's Advisory Committee, and the UCLA GSA. Language for domestic partner would be included in Housing documents.

It appears that UC Davis has the least restrictive Housing policies, indicating eligibility for a single student and another person. This provides access that is self-defined.

Santa Barbara

The Housing criteria were changed internally to include self-defined family.

Berkeley

DP access is limited to certain facilities.

Irvine

Because of Irvine's past history with activism around the issues of DP housing, there has been less movement toward policy change. Graduate and family housing requires that students be married (any age, grad or undergraduate) or a graduate student or undergraduate over the age of X? Currently, DP benefits are denied housing in Graduate and Family Housing despite the Housing Staff's desire to change the policy. UCI administration is waiting for guidance from UCOP to change the policy.

EQUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Shane Snowdon updated the SCOM by noting that she heard a presentation given by AVP Judith Boyette at a meeting of campus HR Directors and Affirmative Action Directors on February 15, 2001. In that presentation, Boyette described a proposed Relative Equity in Benefits package that would provide equal benefits to both same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners. Boyette also said that the current thinking is for the Regents to be presented with this package, rather than with a proposal for same-sex DP retirement benefits alone, as previously envisioned. Boyette further indicated that the Governor may wish to see equal retirement benefits extended to the same-sex DPs of state workers (via legislation introduced by Assemblywoman Carole Migden) before the Regents are asked to extend these benefits to UC employees. The UCLGBTA will work with AVP Boyette and Assemblywoman Migden to determine the most effective way to secure same-sex retirement benefits in a timely fashion, given this update

1. MORTGAGE ORIGINATION PROGRAM

There has been no improvement or progress on this issue to-date, although MOP benefits would presumably be extended to same-sex domestic partners if the Relative Equity in Benefits package were to be approved. Some members of the SCOM believe that it is back to square one with UCOP and The Regents. One SCOM member stated that in a sense UC is violating its own policy of non-discrimination by treating employees with same sex DPs differently than employees with a spouse as it relates to the MOP. A suggestion was made to collect cases and document as evidence that a hardship exists for same sex DPs.

2. FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT AND OTHER LEAVES

At the October SCOM meeting, Lubbe Levin indicated that General Counsel had approved extension of family medical leave for staff members in loco parentis, i.e., for care of a same-sex DP giving birth to or adopting a baby. But this information apparently has not been conveyed to campus H.R. and Benefits personnel. In addition, there has not yet been word from OP about extension of family medical leave to staff members for care of an ill same-sex DP, which is clearly necessary. Furthermore, campus HR and benefits personnel do not seem to be consistently aware that sick and other leave may be taken for the care of a same-sex DP. The SCOM will raise all of these issues with Judy Boyette.

3. POLICY LANGUAGE CHANGES

It was stated that UCOP would need to make "Domestic Partners" benefits visible, and not simply rely on "Members of Household" to presumably include same sex DPs. The SCOM will continue to pursue this matter with UCOP H.R. The SCOM will recommend to UCOP that its HR web site search engine be adapted to include cross-references between "members of household" and "domestic partners".

4. GENDER IDENTITY

Shane Snowdon spoke to the campus H.R. and Affirmative Action Directors at their Oakland meeting on February 15, 2001. Shane suggested that OP be urged to form an informal transgender issues advisory group in the wake of her presentation. Lubbe Levin announced at the February 15 meeting that inclusion of "gender identity" and "gender expression" in the UC non-discrimination statement will be considered, and she indicated interest in reviewing coverage of transsexuals under UC health policies. A suggestion was made to brainstorm more on these issues with Judy Boyette. It was also noted that transgender students' issues must be a part of all discussions with OP.

5. DIVERSITY SURVEY

Participation in the Penn State Diversity/Climate Assessment Study
YES
Riverside - Spring 2001
PENDING -Expect Yes
Irvine and Los Angelesú Spring 2001
Los Angeles
NO
San Diego
Davis
Santa Cruz
San Francisco
Berkeley
Santa Barbara

It was suggested that the UC Student Affairs generated study (systemwide) might be problematic. Nonetheless, climate issues for LGBT students, staff, academics will need to be addressed. There are many pitfalls in such studies and the language used is critical. For example, questions should avoiding labeling. It was mentioned that Senator Jackie Spear, has requested a UC Women Faculty Inequity study. Her office may have some information on this subject. It appears that the UC study will be administered by Academic Affairs at each campus. The SCOM repeated the request that climate surveys will need to assess students, staff and faculty perceptions and experiences.
At the last SCOM meeting, Billie Curtis from UCB had volunteered to look into the integrity of the diversity/climate surveys under consideration by U.C.

6. STUDENT ISSUES

Ronni Sanlo from UCLA, raised the issue of student aid, and there was a discussion about determination of financial "independence". It was stated that in some situations UC and the student could exercise a declaration of emergency aid. Apparently UC follows federal policy. A suggestion was made to ask debi fidler at UCB if she has knowledge of how best to help LGBT students who have experienced trouble getting financial aid when they are estranges from their family.

There is some interest in promoting UC wide student newsletter such as "Ten Percent". - Nancy Tubbs

Other student related issues/concerns

  • Problem of affordability to attend meetings and conferences
  • SCOM accountability
  • Scheduling conflicts
  • UCLGBTA Workshop as a vehicle to communicate
  • General Assembly Content
  • Conduct outreach at all workshops
  • UCLGBTA Conference at UCB - Feb. 2002 (probably not President's Day weekend).

7. UNITED WAY AND THE BOY SCOUTS

Peter Russell from Santa Barbara/Eucalyptus Chancellor's LGBT Advisory Committee raised the issue of United Way providing funds to the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts discriminate against LGBT people. He reported that Santa Barbara representatives met with their local United Way Director who was not receptive to concerns. UCSB is pursuing a restricted gift proposal ú UCSB gifts will not go Boy Scouts.

Riverside - Can request that funds not go to Boy Scouts

Bay Area United Way refuses to give to money to Boy Scouts

ACTION ITEM - for each campus to research the local United Way agency to determine if funds are going to the Boy Scouts, as a designated beneficiary.

The Progressive Way Organization in the Bay Area was identified as an alternative.

It was noted that United Way policies and practices vary region to region.

UC Santa Cruz - provides information that includes "Commonly Asked Questions" regarding United Way, such as "Does the Santa Cruz County United Way give funding to the Boy Scouts?

It was reported that the UC Davis Chancellor wrote a letter to the County United Way Agency regarding allocation of undesignated funds to United Way.

Follow-Up Requested

1) Need the name of Bay Area United Way Executive Director for assistance
2) Request a copy of UC Davis letter sent to local United Way
3) Suggest a letter from UCLGBTA to Campuses
4) Empower subcommittee to work on issue, with letter drafted in time for Spring Committee
Peter Russell
Chris Browning
Emily Nalven
John Dixon

8. CAMPUS REPORTS

UCOP

The downside of being officially recognized group includes implementation or restrictive policies regarding "political activity" in the work place. Emily Nalven distributed a UCOP HR Procedures Supplement with regulations governing the use of University Facilities and access to University Employees by employee organizations and their representatives.

Riverside

  • Has experienced some problems with vandalism (more than once). Chancellor's Advisory Committee will pursue.
  • Is revamping its web pages.
  • Possible student referendum to build Student Union space.
  • A Faculty Chair has submitted request for two new queer related courses.

Los Angeles

  • The Chancellor's Advisory Committee - had been inactive. Now it is revitalized, with new members appointed by Chancellor. The Committee will set up Strategic Planning session in May 2001
  • There are plans to increase resource center space significantly. There will be naming opportunities. The Resource Center is working on its Development program. Ronni Sanlo offered to share information individually.
  • Hate Crime reporting - 33 reports on hate incidents during fall . There are similar numbers for Winter quarter. There is anonymous reporting via the Web. The project may expand to include other groups.
  • The Center is helping to plan an LGBT Summit in Seattle.

Santa Cruz reported a hate incident - Korean Student (Nov. 2000). Assaulting student was expelled. Chancellor's Advisory Committee wished to bring attention to hate crimes as more than Assault & Battery. The Committee will encourage campus task force and reporting system.

Irvine

  • A Strategic Planning session process with students, staff, faculty and community is planned. The group will develop strategies for the next four years.
  • The LGBT Center will apply for Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education - NCRCD. For LGBT Resource Standards - best practices. Evaluates programs.
  • Currently the campus offers LGBT scholarships from a $70,000 endowment, with ability to award about 3% per year.
  • Retirement Board - Ann Fink from UCI Human Resources will run for the UCRS Board.

UCSF

  • A Bay Area gay men's health conference will be held in April, and a national lesbian health conference in June.
  • A transgender employee support group is forming.
  • The campus is updating its "Straight Talk" brochure for distribution to all students and staff.
  • There are now three $2000 Chancellor's Awards for LGBT Leadership.

UCSC

Conducts outreach to high school students, with funding from Gill foundation. Will form Gay component to Pre View Day.

DAVIS

An LGBT residential life program is proceeding.

SAN DIEGO

  • Has launched a new web site: http://lgbtro.ucsd.edu/
  • Now has a permanent operating budget.
  • A campus life referendum for Student Center Expansion is planned, and there may be some financial benefits for the Resource Office.

SANTA BARBARA

  • Has launched a Safe Zone Project
  • Is conducting its own local climate survey
  • Is developing a mentor program
  • Is hosting the UCLGBTA Conference
  • Is discussing creation of an LGBT Minor
  • Is proceeding with education related to Trans issues and is exploring housing and facility issues

9. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Unanimous nomination for John White Secretary (Sanger/Barrett)

Unanimous nomination for Vice Chair Browning (Subasic/Sanlo)

Nominations for Vice Chair and Secretary remain open until after the General Assembly on Sunday, February 18, 2001. Elections will take place at the May Steering Committee meeting at UCSC.

Shane Snowden was elected Vice Chair (Sanger/Barrett). Unanimous except for one abstention (S. Snowdon).

10. The next UCLGBTA Conference and General Assembly will take place at UC Berkeley during February 2002.

11. The next Steering Committee will take place at UC Santa Cruz, possibly May 5, 2001. Chad Sanger will poll SCOM members.

12. It was agreed to send forward a MOTION to the General Assembly to include Intersex in the UCLGBTA title, constitution and mission.

Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

Minutes taken by:
John O. White, UC LGBTA Secretary