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Trinity to keep 'our Lord' on diplomas
Trinity University's board of trustees announced on Thursday they will not grant a student group's request to drop the phrase "our Lord" from the school's diplomas, saying that while Trinity welcomes all religions, it is right to honor its Christian roots. "The board's decision reflects its desire to continue a Trinity tradition, and the words 'in the year of our Lord' are appropriate for the diploma given Trinity's history and heritage," said Walter Huntley, vice chairman of the board and an Atlanta businessman. The Trinity Diversity Connection, which requested the phrasing be dropped, issued this statement: TDC "respects the decision the board of trustees made and appreciates their time and concern on this issue. While this was not the decision many of us were hoping for, we realize that this is a complicated issue. Trinity Diversity Connection will continue to represent, and advocate for, diversity on our campus." Trinity was founded in 1869 by Presbyterians, and its name signifies the merging of three Presbyterian schools and a nod to the Holy Trinity. Since 1969, the university has been governed by an independent board of directors, maintaining only a "covenant relationship" with the church. In the past decade, school officials have sought to diversify the student body, recruiting more international students and cultivating an environment open to all backgrounds and faiths. Though students are aware of the university's Christian moorings, the TDC asked last year that officials drop the reference to "our Lord," arguing that a degree is a personal document and not all students believe in Jesus Christ. The student government and a commencement committee backed the TDC's request, but its leaders encountered a national backlash after the San Antonio Express-News ran a story on the debate that was picked up by national news outlets. Posted by: lotp 2010-04-23 |
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