Diversity in Law School

Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of Southern Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veterans status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquires regarding nondiscrimination policies:

University of Maine School of Law
Director of Equity and Compliance
209 Deering Avenue
Portland, ME 04101

Phone: 207.780.5510

Student Organization Contact Information

LGBT Law Caucus
E-mail: lgbtlawcaucus@maine.edu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lgbtlawcaucus

You may also contact:

Sherry L. Abbott
Associate Dean for Student Services
Phone: 207.780.4345
E-mail: sherry.abbott@maine.edu

Faculty Contact Information

Jennifer B. Wriggins
Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Research
Phone: 207.780.4503
E-mail: wriggins@maine.edu

Administrator Contact Information

None

Course Titles and/or Descriptions

None

Domestic Partnership Benefits

Employees may certify a domestic partner for purposes of receiving university benefits. A domestic partner who is certified shall be considered to be equivalent to a spouse for purposes of university benefits, such as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, bereavement or disability leave, tuition waiver, and use of university facilities.

In accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations, payroll deductions for domestic partner health coverage (medical, dental, and vision) will be withheld on an after-tax basis. Also, the value of benefits provided by the university (health) will be taxable income to the employee.

Employees may enroll their domestic partner's children for benefits coverage. Note, however, that coverage for domestic partner's children will also have taxation consequences as indicated above.

Registration of a domestic partner (PDF) will require certifying the following:

1. The partners are each at least 18 years of age and are mentally competent to contract.
2. The partners are not married to anyone.
3. The partners are not related by blood to a degree which would prohibit marriage in the state of Maine.
4. The partners reside together and share a primary residence.
5. The partners are jointly responsible for each other's common welfare.
6. The partners share financial obligations.
7. Misrepresentation of information in the certification will result in disciplinary action up to termination of employment and an obligation to repay benefits received.
8. The employee will notify the university in writing when a domestic partnership ends.

Additional Information

The University of Maine School of Law is an open and accepting community and encourages LGBT students to apply for admission. As one of the smaller ABA-accredited law schools, Maine Law offers individualized support and attention to its students. We have openly gay faculty and students who encourage and support a vibrant, diverse educational setting. The Admissions Committee carefully considers applicants' full range of life experiences and encourages students to address their sexual orientation or identity in their applications, if they wish. Portland, Maine, has been repeatedly recognized as an LBGT-friendly community with an exceptional quality of life.

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