The University of Memphis Faculty Senate is scheduled to vote on the issue of benefits for same-sex couples today.

Currently, spouses of full-time university employees can opt in to benefits including healthcare and education benefits such as discounted tuition.

If this measure passes, same-sex domestic partners will have the same benefits as married couples.

If the measure is approved, it will have to be approved by the school administration and the Tennessee Board of Regents.

In April, the University of Tennessee Faculty Senate approved a similar measure for the school. Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek wrote to the Faculty Senate saying he was unable to support the bill because, it is..."incumbent upon us to act consistently with the public policy of our state."

The Faculty Senate meets this afternoon in the Senate Chambers of the University Center from 2:40 pm.

MORE: U of M Faculty Senate Page
MORE: Tennessee Board of Regents
MORE: UT Chancellor Cheek's Letter to UT Faculty Senate