Nationally, the list of universities granting domestic partner benefits is growing. Such benefits are becoming more widely available in both the public and the private sectors. Their availability is thought to strengthen competitveness, improve morale, and promote diversity in the workforce. Nakashima publicly opposed domestic partner benefits at the Regents' July meeting. The Regents had been expected to allow President Atkinson to offer limited domestic partner benefits after their September meeting, but delayed action at the last minute because Governor Pete Wilson insisted that they formally vote on the proposal at their November meeting.
Many observers expect the vote to be close, with several Regents currently sitting on the fence.
It is feared that some of them may be unwilling to vote for domestic partner benefits, even though they would have been willing to allow President Atkinson to act administratively. Dr. Herek's summary of relevant social science research that he provided to the Regents at their September 18 meeting.