Trinity Scholars are refusing to stand for prayers and salutes to the British royalty during daily meals in the University’s dining hall according to reports.
The protest has grown over the last couple of weeks with up to ten people choosing to remain seated during the prayers.
The 400-year-old tradition includes Latin psalm and grace being said before and after the meal to give thanks to royals such as Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I.
Trinity News Editor Elaine McCahill told The Herald, “most of the scholars are adamant not to be seen as disrespectful but they want to be given the choice whether to say the Latin prayers at the meal”.
Historical issues such as religion, education and colonialism are among the reasons for this protest.
“I think the debate about whether or not a religious prayer said ten times a week literally from a podium is compatible with the notion of an inclusive and modern university is absolutely worth having” an anonymous scholar told Trinity News.
Secretary to the Scholars, Amy Worrall, said that the grace is simply a traditional way to give thanks.
“The grace said after the meal thanks Queen Elizabeth I, the founder of this College, James its most generous patron and Charles its benefactor. There is no salutation of British royalty. It is simply a historic thank you for what we are receiving from Trinity College” she said.
The scholars attended a meeting with the University’s Junior Dean, but were not reprimanded.
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