Same-sex couples at Iowa State are one step closer to receiving the same benefits as married couples, but some faculty and staff say there is a long way to go. If approved by the University Benefits and Annuities Committee on Sept. 5, a policy to provide same-sex couples with the health insurance benefits standard for other couples will be sent to Interim President Richard Seagrave for possible approval. Jeff Sorensen, Web support services manager and member of IMRU, a gay and lesbian faculty organization, said the new insurance policy is a step in the right direction. “It’s long overdue,” he said. “Equal insurance is something that we’ve been trying for years.” Nancy Evans, associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies, said the insurance policy is necessary. “If we are going to really be an institution that is open and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and sexual orientation, this policy is one that will demonstrate that to faculty and staff,” she said. He added that providing equal insurance to same-sex couples “sends a message” to potential faculty and staff as well. “It will say that this is an institution who cares about their employees and wants to treat them all equally,” Evans said. Sorensen said he wants to see equal rights given to same-sex couples, beyond the insurance policy. “Policies should be looked at and made sure they are equal across the board and that [same-sex couples] are ensured the same rights and privileges [as married couples],” he said. Sorensen said there are other areas where equal rights for the gay and lesbian community need to be improved upon, including adding sexual orientation specifically to the nondiscrimination policy. Evans agreed that more needs to be done to improve the overall attitude towards minority groups on campus. “There’s always more room to go,” she said. “It’s good to have these kinds of polices on paper, but we also need to demonstrate through our actions and how we treat each other – the respect that is given to people of all backgrounds.”