American Atheists is an American non-profit organisation supporting the separation of religion and state, and raising the profile of atheism in public discourse.[citation needed]
History[]
In 1959, Madalyn Murray O'Hair filed a lawsuit on behalf of her son, who was forced to attend Bible readings at school, and harassed by school employees after declining to participate.[2] She founded American Atheists due to this case.[3] After her death, Ellen Johnson became the organisation's president. She has never been religious.[4] In May 2008, she was involuntarily removed from her position without further explanation.[5]
From May until September 2008, Frank R. Zindler served as interim President. In September 2008, Dr. Ed Buckner was elected president. In 2010, he was replaced by David Silverman, who served until April 2018,[6] when he was terminated due to sexual misconduct allegations, including assault, and financial conflicts.[7]
After David was terminated as president, Dr. Ed Buckner was named Interim Executive Director.[8]
Murder of Madalyn Murray O'Hair[]
In 1995, Madalyn Murray O'Hair, her son, and granddaughter, were abducted and murdered. After their disappearance, there were rumours that the O'Hairs had absconded overseas with $500,000 in gold coins. In 2001, David Roland Waters was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment for his involvement in the crime. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and extortion and admitted he conspired to steal over $50,000 from the O'Hairs. He provided information regarding the location of the human remain. Waters is believed to have had co-conspirators, one of whom was also murdered.[9][10]
Logo[]
When American Atheists was formed in 1963, they chose the contemporary scientific symbol of an atomic whirl as a logo. It recognized the atomic era, and emphasizing the truths of older scientific findings. It acknowledges that "only through the use of scientific analysis and free, open inquiry can humankind reach out for a better life."
One of the orbitals in the symbol is broken, or open-ended, demonstrating an absence of some answers to scientific questions, and areas for human inquiry and exploration. The open orbital forms an “A” to represent atheism.[11]
Activity[]
American Atheists is home to the Charles E. Stevens American Atheist Library and Archives, the world's largest collection of atheist and freethought literature. It maintains collections of Atheist, and Freethought publications.[citation needed]
The Library also serves as an archive for information related to American Atheists, and Madalyn Murray O’Hair, who collected materials on the history of Atheism and Freethought. In 1965, Charles E. Stevens, an early supporter of Madalyn's work, made a donation to the library.[12]
They run a scholarship program, recognizing student leaders, advocates, and activists.[13]
On July 23, 2014, American Atheists announced Atheist TV, available on Roku.[14]
Billboards[]
In March 2012, American Atheists put up a billboard along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, reading in both English and Hebrew, “You know it’s a myth, and you have a choice.” A similar billboard appeared in Paterson, New Jersey, aimed at atheists in the Muslim population. The billboards were aimed at those who could be ostracised if they came out as atheists.[15]
Monuments[]
In July 2011, American Atheists filed a lawsuit over The World Trade Center Cross, claiming it promotes Christianity over other religions. They contacted the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, requesting to display an atheistic memorial next to the cross, but did not receive a response.[16] In 2013, the lawsuit was thrown out by a federal judge.[17]
In May 2013, American Atheists unveiled a monument in front of the Bradford County Courthouse, Florida. It was the first atheist-sponsored monument on government property in the United States.[18]
References[]
- ↑ American Atheists. Twitter.
- ↑ History. Atheists.org.
- ↑ About Us. Atheists.org.
- ↑ WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN ATHEISTS. Atheists.org.
- ↑ Special Official Statement RE: Ellen Johnson. Atheists.org (May 7, 2008).
- ↑ History. Atheists.org.
- ↑ This Firebrand Atheist Was Just Fired After Allegations Of Financial Conflicts And Sexual Assault. Peter Aldhous – BuzzFeed News (April 13, 2018).
- ↑ History. Atheists.org.
- ↑ Waters sentenced for role in O'Hair murder. Amber McAnally – The Daily Texan (April 2, 2001).
- ↑ Dead Giveaway. John MacCormack – Dallas Observer (February 1, 2001).
- ↑ Our Logo. Atheists.org.
- ↑ Charles E. Stevens American Atheist Library and Archives. Atheists.org.
- ↑ About Us. Atheists.org.
- ↑ Atheist TV Promo - Launching July 29 at 7 pm Eastern (July 23, 2014).
- ↑ Atheists Billboard Enrages Jewish Community. Vikram Patel – The Brooklyn Ink (March 8, 2012).
- ↑ American Atheists Sue Over World Trade Center Cross. Reshma Kirpalani – ABC News (July 27, 2011).
- ↑ Why the ‘Ground Zero Cross’ should remain. Jordan Sekulow and Matthew Clark – Washington Post (April 4, 2013).
- ↑ Atheists to Unveil Florida Courthouse Monument. Atheists.org (May 29, 2013).