Mercer extends benefits to same-sex couples

MACON - Mercer University says it has extended employee benefits to same-sex domestic partners.

Mercer Chief of Staff Larry Brumley said same-sex domestic partners of employees are now eligible for coverage under Mercer's health and dental plan. He said they will also receive tuition waivers, access to the school library and other benefits.

He says the move is crucial to recruiting quality staff. He also says it's needed to "fulfill Mercer's commitment to affirm the value and dignity of all faculty and staff."

Founded by early 19th century Baptists, Mercer - while no longer formally affiliated with the Baptist denomination - remains committed, according to its Web site, "to an educational environment that embraces intellectual and religious freedom while affirming values that arise from a Judeo-Christian understanding of the world."

The school has more than 8,200 students.

(AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this story.)