Yup, I see where you were coming from. Again, thanks for the response/food for thought!

Well, I hope I won't have to get a lawyer. ;)

That was a main part of my question, whether diversity being good for group problem solving is general knowledge or not.

Thanks for your thoughtful repsonse!

"SO" stands for significant other.

I don't think it's arrogance as much as it is an attempt to be helpful.

Thanks for the input!

I had written that I I found diversity to be a precondition to better performance in the group I participated in. Essentially, I expressed a point of view without an "I think" or "in my opinion." I'm hoping that still qualifies as an editorial.

Thanks for the great response!

Thank you, alarbus, your stats are definitely something to think about...

Excellent info.

Thank you for the links!

You guys are brilliant! Thanks so much for the input (and the giggles, Rev. Smith).

I'm not looking to leave my current position to become a stay-at-home mother, rather, I've been offered a better job elsewhere.

In short, I'm trying to improve my situation without incurring any unplanned expenses (such as having to pay back insurance premiums).

You are correct, FMLA does not require employers to pay employees while they are on leave, however, my company voluntarily pays for six weeks as part of its benefits package.

I was hoping that the FMLA provided protection to those who did not return from maternity leave; i.e. employers could not require employees to pay back wages or policy premiums paid during FMLA leave if the employee elects to not return.

I would very much like to discuss my concerns with HR, yet, the department has a history of indiscretion and can't be trusted to keep my questions confidential. Which is why I'm asking the question on Questionland...

Thanks for your input; it did help quite a bit!