Greetings!  Below is a draft domestic partners statement an informal group of
us prepared for review & discussion before being offered to Columbia
administration.  (Prospects are looking up for some kind of domestic partner
policy here, at least for health benefits!)

The draft is modeled on the Chicago and Stanford policies, with a few minor
changes.  Initial comments from fellow lesbigays here is that the criteria for
qualifying as a domestic partner seem too stringent, going beyond what a
straight married couple has to demonstrate; and that now that NYC has a
domestic partner registry, that formality itself should be sufficient; also
that for purposes of negotiation, it might be better to start with much looser
requirements and then let the University argue that they need to be tightened
up.

ANY THOUGHTS, COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS??!  We're right in the midst of this now,
so timely input would be very helpful.  Thanks in advance!

PS: Please excuse the cross-posting....
==============================================================================
Stephen Davis				email:  daviss@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu
Ass't Director for Library Systems 	voice:  (212) 854-4744
219M Butler Library 	   		fax:    (212) 222-0331
Columbia University
New York, NY 10027     **BOYCOTT COLORADO, SUPPORT LESBIGAY CIVIL RIGHTS!**
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		 	COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
		     DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP POLICY
		     	    Draft 2/10/93

1.  INTRODUCTION

In accordance with the University's general policy of nondiscrimination with
regard to sexual orientation, it hereby grants to same sex Domestic Partners
of university faculty, staff and students benefits equivalent to those
provided to married spouses.

The definition of "Domestic Partner," specific requirements for qualifying as
a Domestic Partner, eligibility for qualifying as a dependent of a Domestic
Partner, and enumeration of the benefits to be granted follow.

2. GENERAL DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC PARTNER

Columbia University defines Domestic Partners as two individuals of the same
gender who live together in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration,
with an exclusive mutual commitment similar to that of marriage, in which the
Partners agree to be financially responsible for each others' welfare and
share financial obligations.

3. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFYING AS A DOMESTIC PARTNER

To be recognized as Domestic Partners by Columbia University, two individuals
must meet the following criteria:

     a)	Be of the same sex and both unmarried

     b) Have lived together for at least six (6) months and intend to do so
	indefinitely

     c) Both meet the age requirements for marriage in the State of New York
	and are mentally competent to consent to contract

     d)	Not be related by blood to a degree of closeness which would
	prohibit legal marriage in the state of legal residence

     e)	Be jointly responsible for each other's common welfare and share
	financial obligations, as demonstrated by three (3) of the following:

          i) a Domestic Partnership Agreement, such as the New York City
	      Domestic Partnership Registration

          ii) a joint mortgage or lease

          iii) designation of Domestic Partner as beneficiary for life
	       insurance and retirement benefits

          iv) designation of Domestic Partner as primary beneficiary in
	      employee's or student's will

          v)  assignment of durable property or health care power of attorney
	      to Domestic Partner

          vi) joint ownership of a motor vehicle, joint bank account, or
	      joint credit account

The University may require proof that those applying for Domestic Partner
status meet specified requirements.  Domestic Partners are required to notify
the University within thirty (30) days if there is any change in status that
would make the Domestic Partner no longer eligible for University benefits.
Falsely certifying eligibility may result in disciplinary action, including
termination of employment and require reimbursement of the University for any
cost involved in providing benefit coverage.  Unless the Domestic Partner is
a tax-qualified dependent, the University's cost of providing these benefits
is considered taxable income.

4.  ELIGIBILITY FOR QUALIFICATION AS DEPENDENT

In order for the child of a Domestic Partner to be a Qualified Dependent for
Columbia University benefits, the child must meet all of the following
requirements:

     a)	The child is primarily dependent upon the CU employee for support,
		and

     b)	A parent-child relationship exists between the CU employee and the
	 child based on the following:

          i) The child must be unmarried and reside in the same household as
	      the employee, and be [25] years of age or less [same as with CU
regular spouse];

          ii) The employee must assume full parental responsibility and
control,  including any and all debts incurred by the child;

          iii) Both the Domestic Partner and child must be dependent upon the
	       employee for support;

          iv) Either the employee or the Domestic Partner must have a court-
		appointed legal relationship with the child (i.e.,
		guardianship, adoption, foster child), or the Domestic Partner
		must be the biological parent or the step-parent of the child.


5.  BENEFITS TO BE GRANTED TO DOMESTIC PARTNERS AND QUALIFIED DEPENDENTS

Domestic Partners and Qualified Dependents shall be granted the same benefits
as those provided to married spouses and their dependents as follows:

	BENEFIT					EFFECTIVE DATE

     1) Health care benefits			July 1, 1993
     2) Faculty spouse tuition benefit		Sept. 1, 1993
     3) Housing benefits			Sept. 1, 1993
     4) Gymnasium privileges			[already in effect]
     5) Library privileges			[already in effect]