Daniels makes a necessary first step

Last week President Ronald J. Daniels wrote an op-ed piece in The Baltimore Sun in support of marriage equality in Maryland. Daniels briefly mentioned that he saw the issue as “a matter of justice and core civil rights,” but the remainder of his piece gave a less common interpretation as to why marriage equality is important: it is beneficial for business, especially for an organization like Hopkins. Proposition 6, which reaffirmed the right to marriage among all citizens in Maryland, passed on Tuesday night.

The fact that the University has publicly made a statement about a political issue is generally praiseworthy. It is positive to see the president of the University voicing his stance on an issue that affects the entire state, especially considering the important role that Hopkins plays as the largest private employer in Maryland. Since the University holds so much sway in the community, Baltimore City and the state of Maryland, this principled stance on marriage equality is likely to influence others to join the cause.

Daniels’ decision to support marriage equality could also potentially fuel some political activism on campus, which Hopkins could use more of. His action might inspire some students to initiate a conversation regarding issues important to the nation, state or University.

Daniels also gave a coherent breakdown on how Hopkins’s ability to successfully attract certain professionals to Maryland can depend heavily on the status of marriage equality in the state. He specifically pointed out that the benefits associated with securing legal-marital status could help Hopkins more effectively compete with top-tier universities in other states in attempts to attract professors. Daniels’ point has merit; many top-tier professionals might be affected by Tuesday’s response to Question 6. In a way, Daniels’ unique characterization of a very heated national issue has introduced another dimension in the marriage equality discussion.

His decision to come out in support of marriage equality is commendable. And hopefully the administration will not shy away from making similar pronouncements in the future, especially since if it has the potential to activate our student body politically and inspire action in the state of Maryland.