THE ISSUE of whether or not to grant same-sex couples employed by the University the same benefits as heterosexual couples has long been an issue on Grounds. But this explosive can of political and legal worms has yet to be opened. The issue is discussed on a micro level, yet no further action takes place. This could soon change, though, as a new movement has been started by two of last year's graduates.
Andrew Borchini and Andrew Bond have created a Web site called DontGiveToUVA.com. The goal of the Web site is to encourage upcoming graduates and alumni to divert funds that they would have given to the University to DontGiveToUVA.com. The funds that DontGiveToUVA.com raises would then go toward paying for benefits that the University denies to domestic partners and advocating policy change at the University in favor of same-sex couples' rights. You can sign an online petition to pledge your support for the cause.
Many students, especially those in Student Council, are quick to assail the method that Borchini and Bond are employing. Thus far I've heard it called "blackmail" or "extortion" of the University. People are also quick to point out that legislative and less aggressive methods of taking action have yet to be attempted.
As DontGiveToUVA.com began accepting donations to its cause this past Saturday, there is no doubt that in the next week we will see columns and letters from students attacking the seemingly aggressive tactic that DontGiveToUVA.com is using. While the method is aggressive, it is serving the purpose of finally bringing the issue of same-sex partners receiving benefits from the University to the forefront.
Let's start with calling Borchini and Bond's method of fighting for equal rights "blackmail" or "extortion." This couldn't be further from the truth. Not giving money to an institution is a way of sending a message that you won't support an institution that discriminates. It's almost like voting. I won't vote Republican because Republicans institutionalize racism and sexism through discriminatory voting systems and the attempted dismantling of Title IX. I won't donate to the University because it refuses to end institutionalized heterosexism by not granting equal benefits to same-sex couples.
As for not exhausting other options, let's explore all the possibilities. They could have simply started a petition for equal rights without trying to starve the University of funds. Exactly how effective is this option in reality? Petitions seldom carry any legal or political weight. A clear example of this is the Individual Rights Coalition, which sought to end institutionalized diversity initiatives at the University. People signed their petition, diversity endeavors continue and the group has gone into obscurity. The only exception to this rule is if you are the governor of California.
Another option would be to lobby Student Council to pass a resolution in support of equal benefits for same-sex couples. Past Student Council members have raised the issue, and nothing has come of it. No action was taken and, needless to say, the issue got no press.
What is different about this movement is that it is controversial to persuade people to not give money to the University until the injustice is rectified. Whether or not the University should be financially hurt over its continuing discriminatory practices is divisive. It is the controversial nature of the drive that brings the issue to life and forces the University to grapple with it and eventually enter the 21st century.
Since the launching of DontGiveToUVA.com, it has received press coverage from The Cavalier Daily, the Daily Progress, the Hook and others. The controversial movement and the press coverage that amplifies its message then makes its way to students, faculty, administrators and alumni. For example, I exchanged an email on the matter with Robert Weiler, CLAS '86 and president of the Los Angeles U.Va. Alumni Club, which represents over 2,000 alumni in the L.A. area. He told me that while he does not personally support withholding funds from the University, he does support the idea of granting equal rights to same-sex couples employed by the University. He also explained that he would make information about the movement available to the alumni that he represents.
And this is just the beginning. You can start to see the usefulness of Borchini and Bond's tactic if you look at the concern that it is raising. Whether you agree or disagree about withholding funds from the University, you have to agree that it is raising some eyebrows, and that is most definitely a step in the right direction.
(Ryan Hughes is a fourth year in the College.)
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