Kathleen M. Goodman and John A. Mueller published a great article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, “Atheist Students on Campus: From Misconceptions to Inclusion.” The authors discuss the need for colleges to help atheist students break away from misconceptions about atheists and to have access to the same personal resources as religious students. One of the best points they bring up supporting the need for such resources is that although atheism is not a religion, atheists are concerned with many of the same issues as religious students.
[...] many students who identify as atheist – or related designations, such as humanist or free thinker – are, in fact, quite thoughtful about their purpose, morals, and values.
In fact, as a marginalized group, atheists need these resources more than those in the religious majority.
Atheist students, however, tend to be cautious about whom they share their perspective with because they do not want to offend others or make them uncomfortable. Nor do they want to be put in the position of having to defend their worldview. To avoid being thought of as people with no morals or life purpose who are destined for hell, they choose to remain invisible.
Along with the general recommendation that colleges “create an environment that encourages atheist students to come forward and share their views,” the authors recommend five main actions:
- “Create a welcoming environment for atheist students.”
- “Include atheism in student programming.”
- “Ensure that atheists can, like other students, explore their inner development.”
- “Create safe spaces that are “atheist only” for student.”
- “Look to other institutions for best practices.”
There is a lot of great discussion about the marginalization of campus atheists, misconceptions about them, as well as more on actions colleges should take. A lot of what is discussed is just as valid for American culture in general. The misconceptions and bigotry mirrors that in the outside world. Unfortunately, it is likely that any institutionalized attempts at making atheists feel the least bit welcome on campus will be fought tooth and nail by those with an irrational hatred and fear of those who do not share their beliefs, or any belief – that is, if any colleges take their advice.
