The Board of Regents makes a lot of crucial decisions that affect ISU students and employees.

Last week, the regents made one of those decisions, one that will likely make some important changes around this university.

The regents decided last week to give Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa the option of financing health-care costs for partners of homosexual employees. The University of Iowa already had a similar policy approved at last month’s board meeting.

Supporters, such as Warren Madden, ISU vice president for Business and Finance, and Board of Regents President Owen Newlin, should be praised for encouraging this equal opportunity for employees.

Those regents who voted against the policy should be condemned for not being able to accept the changing times — or being able to leave their prejudiced attitudes at home when making these sort of decisions.

So many universities, including Iowa State, preach about being pro-diversity, it’s refreshing to see a concept actually carried out. We can talk all we want about making Iowa State a more inclusive place to be, but it’s just talk until we actually enact policy.

Although some people may be worried about how much money will go toward benefits for partners, cost isn’t the issue in this case. Fairness is.

All employees engaged in common-law unions are entitled to the same rights and the same benefits, no matter what sexual orientation, gender, religion or ethnic background.

Even if you have moral concerns about homosexuality, you cannot say that same-sex couples shouldn’t be eligible for the same sort of benefits that heterosexual couples are able to receive. Homosexual couples love their partners, fight with their partners and generally make a life with their partners, just the same as heterosexual couples.

There’s no reason why the university shouldn’t treat them like any other couple, because that’s exactly what they are.

And while this vote may not affect a large population of employees at Iowa State now, it sets a precedent.

Diversity and acceptance of it are important components at any school. Employees set the tone for the whole university, including making lasting impressions on students.

It’s time to help ISU students prepare for the real world by setting our examples now.

State universities from coast to coast have already adopted same-sex benefit packages. Iowa might be a little late, but better late than never.

No one ever said our state was a trend-setter, but at least now, it’s showing a fairness of mind.