Trinity students want diplomas without ‘Our Lord’

SAN ANTONIO — Some Trinity University students are asking school trustees to drop the words “Our Lord” from their diplomas, arguing that the reference doesn’t respect the diversity of religions on campus.

Sidra Qureshi, a Muslim student and president of Trinity Diversity Connection, is leading the charge to tweak the wording. The effort has won the support of student government, and trustees are expected to consider the request in May.

“A diploma is a very personal item, and people want to proudly display it in their offices and homes,” Qureshi told the San Antonio Express-News in Monday’s editions.

The school’s president and other students defend the wording, saying the school’s Presbyterian roots are appropriate and unobtrusive. Founded in 1869, Trinity has been governed by an independent Board of Trustees since 1969 but maintains a “covenant relationship” with the church.