Trinity University officials have decided to keep the words, "In the Year of Our Lord" on the school's diplomas.

A campus diversity group at the San Antonio, Texas school tried to get the phrase removed, but the Board of Trustees voted against them.

"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 R. Huntley '71, '73, vice chairman of the Trinity Board of Trustees and an Atlanta businessman.

"Trinity is very proud of its 141-year history and religious heritage. It defines our values and informs our future," Trinity President Dennis A. Ahlburg said. "But this is really an internal issue regarding the University's diploma, not a test case for a national debate on religion."

During the fall of 2009, students from the Trinity Diversity Connection respectfully requested to have the wording on Trinity diplomas removed. The request sparked a campus-wide conversation dealing with issues such as culture, faith and traditions.

Trinity was founded by Presbyterians in 1869.

Source: Trinity University