We the undersigned duly petition the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Mayo, the Board of Aldermen, and Mayor DeStefano of the City of New Haven, Connecticut to reinstate the phrase, "in the year of our Lord," on diplomas earned by students graduating from New Haven public schools.

 We recognize that some may object to this phrase, and we agree that for these people the option should exist to have this wording removed. However, we also recognize that the forcible removing of such wording from the diplomas of the many who value it is just as objectionable.

We know that there are few opportunities in life where cooperation can lead to a truly satisfactory outcome for everyone. Fortunately, this issue does afford this opportunity as long as no one person or group of persons desires to force his/her or their values or standards on others, but instead simply allows each individual to follow his or her own conscience.

 Furthermore, we cite the notations of academic achievement (cum Laude, etc.) as  examples of how diplomas are already individualized to reflect each student, and we point to these as examples of how our request can be reasonalbly and practically accommodated.

 We recognize that these diplomas belong to, and are the property of, the hard- working students who earned them and not the body of authority that issues them.

(We request you add your address and phone number or email address to the comments section when signing the petition.  Also, if you are a registered voter, please say so in the comments section.  Thank you for your participation.)