Dispelling Myths

There are many common misconceptions about nontheists.  Educators play an important role in correcting the fallacies that are often presented in our culture and the media, and schools are in a unique position to educate in ways that put an end to many of those myths.

For example, it is commonly believed that someone without a belief in a god cannot have a moral compass or find purpose in his or her life.  However, there is no evidence that a lack of belief in a higher power leads to immoral behavior, nor that such a worldview results in unhappiness. 

Kathleen M. Goodman and John A. Mueller, in their article “Invisible, Marginalized, and Stigmatized: Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Atheist Students,” (New Directions for Student Services, Spring 2009) elaborate:

Recent research….shows that 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....They state that their life purpose is to use their skills and talents in service to the environment, humanity, and all living creatures. Their purpose and morality are less about personal salvation after death and more about celebrating and contributing to the human condition.

Another assumption is that nontheists wish to convert others to their views or redesign society.  But in reality, most nontheists, and especially nontheistic students, simply want to be accepted for who they are.  Reshaping society or converting others is rarely a priority.

"Generation Next" Religious Identification

Nonbelievers and others unaffiliated with religion are practically invisible in our society, having no visible trait that sets them apart from the majority (compared to racial minorities or nonnative English speakers, for example). This leads to the assumption that there are only a few stray individuals who do not believe in a god or gods.  However, the percentage of youth who do not identify with any religion is growing rapidly: formal studies estimate the number of unaffiliated youth to be at least 20% of 18-25-year-olds, with an informal Harvard University study placing the number as high as 30-40%.

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A Stark Reality

While the stereotypes about nonbelievers may be incorrect, the unfortunate truth is that they face real discrimination. 

A 2007 Gallup poll indicated that over half of the American population would not vote for an atheist for president, and a recent study by the University of Minnesota showed that among atheists, Muslims, homosexuals, conservative Christians, recent immigrants, Hispanics, Jews, Asian-Americans, African-Americans and white Americans, atheists are the most distrusted group in the USA.

Nontheists are banned from many cultural and ethnic organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.  Military personnel without a belief in a higher power face exclusion and proselytizing from their officers, and may be denied promotions. Six state constitutions require elected officials to affirm belief in a supreme being, in direct conflict with the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition against religious tests for public office.  

Nontheistic students’ views are often dismissed.  Furthermore, many students are faced with a daily social and moral dilemma as common school functions - including the Pledge of Allegiance, sports-team prayers, and commencement invocations - may force them to participate in activities contrary to their beliefs, or face possible social stigma or administrative punishment for not participating.

How You Can Help

Teachers, school officials and administrators bear a legal and moral obligation to safeguard the well-being of nontheistic students. All students are entitled to be treated with respect in a public school environment, regardless of their beliefs.  

A first step for educators is to learn more about the spectrum of secular outlooks one may encounter in nontheistic students.  As you learn more, you will become aware of both the pervasiveness of misconceptions and also ways to counter those stereotypes. 

Staff and administrators should also create a welcoming environment for nontheistic students.   Provide information in the form of brochures, library books or knowledgeable staff to help all students as they develop their own worldviews.  When religion or worldview topics are discussed, don’t shy away from speaking openly about nontheistic beliefs – silence can imply a taboo. Remain alert for instances of harassment or bullying and make it clear that such behavior is unacceptable, enforcing the same discipline as would be applied in any other case of harassment.

Discrimination against nontheistic student groups in public schools is illegal.  Secular student groups have the same rights, protections and acommodations as any other extra-curricular clubs.

The Secular Student Alliance is happy to assist you and your students in forming a nontheist group at your school.  This can serve as a community for students who feel they must hide this aspect of their identity in other social settings, and such a group provides a “safe haven” for students who may face harassment or social difficulties due to their beliefs. 

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Educator Resources from the Secular Student Alliance

Resources for Starting Student Groups
The Secular Student Alliance is happy to assist students in forming a nontheist group at your school.  This can serve as a community for students who feel they must hide this aspect of their identity in other social settings, and provides a “safe haven” for students who may face harassment or social difficulties due to their beliefs.  Students can search for groups already active in their area or Request a Starting Packet.  In addition to other resources, our Group Services section has a digital copy of the Group Running Guide which details all sorts of topics that affect student groups.

Legal Assistance
The SSA has several experts on its Advisory Board, including former high school activists, high school educators and attorneys, all of whom have experience with regard to the legal problems that can arise when secular students attempt to form school groups.  They have agreed to lend their time and expertise with these matters when they arise.  If you need help at your school, contact us for help.

SSA Directory of Secular Organizations
For more information on secularism and various secular organizations, browse our directory.  This list provides the names of our partner organizations as well as descriptions and links to their respective websites.

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More Educator Resources

Teaching Tolerance: Respecting Nonreligious People
Teaching Tolerance is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation's children. The organization provides free educational materials, including this teaching kit on respecting nonreligious people.  Grades 3-5,6-8, and 9-12; subject areas Reading and Language Arts, Social Studies and ESL/ELL.

Atheist Students on Campus: From Misconceptions to Inclusion
This article by Kathleen M. Goodman and John A. Mueller describes the need for awareness of atheist students in college contexts and is quoted in our brochure.  Though aimed at college student life departments, the content of this article can be equally applied to high school educators.

The Secular Web Parents Corner
A compendium for nontheistic parents that has many resources, including an “Education” section in their list of helpful Essays.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State
This is a politically active organization that can provide much-needed assistance in reporting and resolving local church-state violations.  In their “Issues” section they have bountiful information about Religion in Public Schools and Religious School Vouchers.

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Our sincerest thanks go out to the brights at The Brights Net for helping make this project possible.