FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) – The University of Arkansas announced on Monday (June 29) that it will now extend benefits to same-sex employees and their spouses.
This comes after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday (June 26) that states must allow same-sex marriages.
“In light of the Supreme Court ruling Friday concerning same-sex marriage, the University of Arkansas is now allowing employees to enroll their same-sex spouses in UA health, dental and vision insurance plans,” a human resources memo states.
Employees with same-sex spouses have 31 days from a marriage date to add their spouses and any new step children to their insurance plans, according to the university.
The University of Arkansas previously planned to extend benefits to same-sex employees and their spouses in May 2014 after Arkansas’ own gay marriage ban was struck down by Judge Chris Piazza. That plan was halted when the Arkansas Supreme Court issued a stay on Piazza’s ruling and took up the gay marriage ban case.
University of Arkansas employees who have questions concerning the new policy are encouraged to contact the human resources office.
