Cranford, NJ—American Atheists today sent a letter to the Wooster City School District in Wooster, Ohio, following a complaint from a parent alleging that the school is allowing representatives from a religiously affiliated pregnancy center to give students inaccurate and religiously motivated instruction about matters related to sexual health. According…...
Florida Middle School Concedes Autistic Student May Sit for Pledge
Following a September 8 demand letter, American Atheists today received confirmation from a Florida school district that officials would ensure students’ Constitutional right to remain seated and not participate in the Pledge of Allegiance is protected. The demand letter from the American Atheists Legal Center came after the Center was contacted by the…...
Atheists Demand ISU Keep Coach’s Religion Out of Basketball Program
Cranford, NJ—American Atheists this week sent a letter to the Steven Leath, President of Iowa State University, demanding that the university address comments made by new men’s basketball head coach Steve Prohm about his plans to bring his personal religious beliefs into his role as coach. In an interview with…...
Atheists Laud Ruling Against ‘Religious Burden’ For Contraceptive Coverage Opt-Out
Cranford, NJ—American Atheists today applauded the decision by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals requiring religious employers to either provide contraception coverage to employees or formally request to opt-out, allowing a third-party insurer to provide coverage. The court ruled against the Denver-based Little Sisters of the Poor claim that filing…...
OK Supreme Court: Ten Commandments Monument Unconstitutional
Oklahoma City, OK—The Oklahoma State Supreme Court has ruled that the controversial Ten Commandments monument placed on state capitol grounds is a violation of the Oklahoma Constitution and ordered its removal. “This is a victory for anyone who values religious neutrality from their government,” said American Atheists President David Silverman.…...
Atheists Celebrate Supreme Court Ruling Affirming Marriage Equality
Cranford, NJ—American Atheists today applauded the United States Supreme Court in its 5-4 decision guaranteeing the rights of same-sex couples to marry nationwide and joined LGBT Americans in celebrating equality under the law. “This is a victory too long in the making,” said American Atheists President David Silverman. “The Court…...
On Marriage Equality Case, the Rights of LGBT Americans Trump Religious Dogma
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges. This is likely the most significant case on the issue of marriage equality to come before the highest court in America in our generation. “American Atheists stands for the rights…...
Leesburg (FL) School Takes Action to End Prayer Led By Baseball Coach
In early, February, American Atheists received information that Leesburg High School head baseball coach Rich Billings and assistant coach John Meier were initiating and leading students and other coaches in prayer every day following baseball practice. On February 10, American Atheists’ in-house counsel Amanda Knief sent an advisory letter to Leesburg…...