Campus could soon feel consequences from the passage of the gay marriage ban, administrators and student leaders said of the ban's approval Tuesday.
Chancellor John Wiley and Interim Dean of Students Lori Berquam have each issued statements expressing dismay over the implications the ban could have for domestic partner benefits and overall campus climate.
""I am writing to express my extreme disappointment and concern regarding the passage of the constitutional amendment banning marriage, civil unions and potentially other legal protections for gay and lesbian couples,"" a Nov. 8 letter from Berquam read. ""Without a doubt, this amendment will do grievous harm to the University, to members of our community, and to the state of Wisconsin.""
""I would like to reassure everyone that UW-Madison will continue to be a place that rejects discrimination and respects diversity of all kinds,"" read a Nov. 9 statement from Wiley. ""There is a place for all people here, and the Nov. 7 approval of this amendment does not change that commitment.""
Both statements emphasized the university's inclusiveness in light of the ban's passage and announced a listening session during the week of Nov. 13 to hear student concerns.
Eric Trekell, director of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Campus Center, said the effects of the ban will be devastating and far-reaching.
""I think it indeed is going to impact recruitment, not just of faculty and staff, but also students,"" Trekell said. ""We've already seen one star researcher announce that he was leaving ... I have friends who work on campus who have already started initiating paperwork to emigrate to Canada.""
Trekell referred to researcher Rob Carpick, who announced he was leaving in August because the university failed to offer domestic partner benefits. The university has frequently garnered criticism for being the sole member of the Big Ten to not offer such benefits, and under the new amendment, it now legally cannot.
Trekell said while Madison is generally accepting of students and faculty, there is now no chance of their relationships being recognized by government, a development that will hinder gay couples' financial situations.
""I'm disappointed in Wisconsin, and I wonder why I moved here,"" Trekell said. ""I question whether or not I'm going to stay here, truthfully.""
Trekell and Berquam both said they looked forward to the ban being repealed in the future.
""Though it may be but small consolation right now, it is hard to imagine that history will not one day prove this to be a shameful aberration in our otherwise progressive tradition."" Berquam's letter said.
