University Times

Pitt has refused to comment on a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report that the University has agreed to study extending health benefits to domestic partners of its gay employees.

The Post-Gazette reported May 9 that plaintiffs in a five-year-old lawsuit seeking extension of health benefits to same-sex partners of employees have agreed to temporarily suspend litigation in exchange for creation of a University panel that would make recommendations to Chancellor Mark Norden-berg.

Announcement of the deal was expected as early as May 10, according to the Post-Gazette. But no such announcement was forthcoming as the University Times went to press.

Pitt, the American Civil Liberties Union (which represents the seven plaintiffs) and plaintiffs themselves have either refused to comment or have not returned phone calls from the University Times.