A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a Texas law that requires public school students to observe a daily minute of silence in order to pray, reflect or otherwise remain quiet.

A three-judge panel from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans affirmed a district court ruling, saying the law is constitutional because it expressly allows any silent use of that minute, whether religious or not. Read More

Can we please stop playing around with “moments of silence” and pretending they are secular? All moments of silence are inherently religious and therefore have no place in the classroom. They are tools to remind non-religious kids that they are in a minority. They are there to exert peer pressure, and nothing else.

Consider:
1) In every public school in the country, every kid can pray whenever s/he wants to. They can bring a bible/koran/whatever to class, read it during recess, pray before meals, etc. The only thing they can’t do is disrupt class or other people when they do it (Hint: those who don’t pray in school today, don’t WANT to pray).
2) Every public school in the country has the right to allow prayer groups on their property, before or after class, for sectarian prayer. The only thing they can’t do is require attendance and officially sponsor it. Most schools allow them, and the only ones who don’t attend are the ones who don’t want to attend. See where I’m going?
3) In church, prayer is not required, and neither is attendance. You can go when you want, and pray if you want. If you go to a church you will be required to stay silent while other people pray around you, but you will never be forced to pray. Sound familiar?

Now we have a law in Texas that says this is not enough. Now, EVERY kid MUST attend. They don’t need to pray (like a church), but unlike church, and religious clubs in schools, attendance is MANDATORY. Every kid MUST go and behave like they would in church, every day. Parents may not opt out. Kids may not opt out. Stand there and keep quiet while we (the school) apply peer pressure on you to pray. We can’t TELL you to pray, but we can make you feel really uncomfortable if you don’t. And we can also make sure those kids who DO pray see that you don’t, so you may be further ostracized.

To say moments of silence is not forced attendance of a religious event is analogous to Utah saying the cross is not a religious symbol. It’s a lie, used to circumvent the law.

Congratulations to This year’s winners for the American Atheists Scholarships:

Founders’ Scholarship ($2000): Andrew Cederdahl

First Runner-up: ($1000): Shelley Mountjoy

Chinn Scholarship ($1000): Jon Adams

Honorable Mentions: M. Amini, M. Brown, D Kalagian, A. Egan, A. Lockington, R Powell, D Iacoviello, N. Conrad, B. Stack

Over 50 applications this year led to about a dozen REALLY good applications from fantastic activists. I wish I had more awards to give out.

American Atheists grants three scholarships every year, based primarily on atheist activism. Grades are secondary. This year’s big winner started the first college freethought (Pastafarian) club in USC and has grown it to success — all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA! In fact, all three winners started clubs this year!

We are very proud to be able to help these young activists in their educational goals. Young people rock.

DEADLINE HAS PASSED to Intro Dawkins!

An Extraordinary Opportunity…

INTRODUCE RICHARD DAWKINS
AT AACON XXXV — ATLANTA, GA.

The 35th National Conventiuon of American Atheists
April 9-12, 2009 * Emory Conference Center, Atlanta, GA.

Introduce the most famous Atheist in the world at the 35th National Convention of American Atheists!

This Sunday, March 15, 2009 is the deadline in our contest to pick the person who will introduce Dr. Richard Dawkins at AACON XXXV. Check out details on the convention at http://www.atheists.org. Then send an e-mail to Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists at ebuckner@atheists.org, stating that you have registered for this blockbuster event, you’re a current member of American Atheists, and that you would like to introduce Dr. Richard Dawkins. We will draw a name at random from all those entering and notify the winner by April 1. (We’ll help you with the introduction of course.) Talk about a sure way to meet Richard Dawkins!

* SEND YOUR ENTRY to ebuckner@atheists.org by midnight EST, this Sunday, March 15, 2009.

* LEARN MORE about the Convention at http://www.atheists.org .

WHO & WHAT: YOU have an opportunity to introduce Dr. Richard Dawkins at our convention!

WHEN: Deadline for selection is this Sunday, 12 PM EST March 15, 2009

WHERE: http://www.atheists.org. Send your entry to ebuckner@atheists.org

MORE INFO: http://www.atheists.org — click on National Convention

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for nonbelievers; labors for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

http://chronicle.com/news/article/5989/biologists-wont-meet-in-louisiana-because-of-state-law-on-teaching-evolution

Biologists Won’t Meet in Louisiana Because of State Law on Teaching Evolution

An association of biologists has decided against holding its 2011 annual meeting in New Orleans because of a Louisiana law that the group sees as diluting scientific standards for the teaching of evolution and other science topics. The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology instead will hold its 2011 convention in Salt Lake City, the group’s president, Richard A. Satterlie, wrote this month in a letter to Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.

The society’s leaders “could not support New Orleans as our meeting venue because of the official position of the state in weakening science education and specifically attacking evolution in science curricula,” Mr. Satterlie wrote. “Utah, in contrast, passed a resolution that states that evolution is central to any science curriculum.”

Thanks to Larry C.

I am very proud of this, because now we have more scientists fighting with us, instead of trying to stay separate. We need more activism in science. We need to make sure citizens know WHY they aren’t getting patronized (in a recession) and how to stop it (be electing pro-science legislators). Finally, after 8 years of bans on stem cell research and creationism in classrooms, Science has learned to play hard-ball.

It’s about time.

But Utah???

“In the past, politicians in Washington and elsewhere could largely ignore the Godless. But those days are over. With their numbers growing, nonbelievers are intent on pushing a political and legislative agenda governed more by cool reason than by faith.”

So concludes a cover story in this week’s National Journal called “Rise of the Godless,” which profiles the Secular Coalition for America, our member groups, allies and supporters. Read the complete article on our Web site.

The National Journal is widely read by members of Congress and their staffs, the White House, the media, policy makers, and political heavy hitters in Washington and around the country. This highly respected newsweekly is billed as “Insight for Insiders.”

The Secular Coalition fights for policies our constituency believes in and we work every day to increase the visibility of, and respect for, nontheistic Americans and the views they hold. We see this cover story as proof we’re succeeding at both.

“Look out, social conservatives. The secularist, humanist, freethinking nontheists and atheists are growing in number, and coalescing into a movement with a real agenda.”

We are pleased to share this article about our growing presence and political clout. Our job is to give you a voice in Washington, and your support makes our legislative and media victories possible. We hope you enjoy “Rise of the Godless” and that you continue to support the Secular Coalition for America. Thank you!

And by the way, Herb Silverman, President of the SCA, will be speaking at the National Convention. Shhh… It’s a secret!