The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents met Tuesday and approved the extension of university benefits to same sex spouses of employees or retirees, effective immediately.

This decision comes on the heels of the order issued on Oct. 3 by a Jackson County Circuit Court Judge that requires the state of Missouri to recognize same-sex couples who were legally married in another state. Then on Oct. 6, the Missouri Attorney General's Office made the announcement that the state of Missouri would not appeal the judgment. Missouri's main health care and retirement plans responded by expanding benefits to same-sex spouses with a valid marriage certificate.

Adopting this benefit proposal means that the university will be updating its definition of spouse in the procedures of section 03-21, Benefits, of the University's Business Policies and Procedures Manual, to "a legally married spouse, as evidenced by a valid marriage certificate." And the same definition would be applied in the plan documents for the Medical Reimbursement Account, Dependent Care Assistance and Flex Benefits Plan programs.

This decision will now allow for same-sex spouses of employees or retirees to receive benefits such as wellness screenings, medical insurance, workers compensation, unverified sick leave, and dependent life insurance.