Last week came the news that a group of students at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas  petitioned the administration to remove the words “in the year of our Lord” from the school’s diplomas.

Senior Sidra Qureshi, a Muslim student, started the petition in order to assure diversity at the school:

“A diploma is a very personal item, and people want to proudly display it in their offices and homes. . . . By having the phrase ‘in the year of our Lord,’ it is directly referencing Jesus Christ, and not everyone believes in Jesus Christ.”

This week the university decided to retain the wording on current and future diplomas citing the history and connection of the school with the United Presbyterian church. Walter R. Huntley, vice chairman of the Trinity board of trustees, replied for the board on the issue:

“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.”

Here’s Dr. Albert Mohler’s take on the issue.

Response: The name of the school is ‘Trinity’ and it shows up at the top of every  diploma. I would think that it would be far more offensive to Muslim students than the ‘year’ reference given that the name actually supports the divinity of Jesus.

The school has become secular long time ago and its connection with Christianity and the Presbyterian Church is historic at best. I must say I am pleasantly surprised at the boards decision. However, to decide against the ‘In the year of our Lord’ really would beg the question of why they retain the name ‘Trinity’ if it is so offensive.

Also, if the Christian connection is so offensive, why do Muslim students choose to go there in the first place?            *Top

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