University of Alaska v. Tumeo

COMPTON, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

Two employees of the University of Alaska requested health insurance benefits for their domestic partners; the University denied their requests. The question on review 1 is whether that denial violates AS 18.80.220(a)(1), commonly referred to as the Alaska Human Rights Act, which bars discrimination in employment on the basis of marital status.

II. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Mark Turneo and Kate Wattum are employees of the University of Alaska. Neither is married. The University provides employer-subsidized health insurance benefits for its employees and their…