PRESS RELEASES
Freethinking groups ask Mich. town to remove cross from veterans park
1/30/2017 · Two of the nation's most prominent freethinking organizations are asking a Michigan town to remove a cross from its veterans memorial in a public park. An Alto, Mich., resident contacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Center for Inquiry to inform them about a … More »
Bans based on religion violate Constitution
1/30/2017 · By Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan BarkerCo-PresidentsFreedom From Religion Foundation "Out of many, one." That's the meaning of the Latin E Pluribus Unum, our nation's original motto — chosen by a distinguished committee of Jefferson, Adams and Franklin. That sentiment is tarnished by President Trump's executive order … More »
Remove Christian flag from veterans memorial, FFRF requests Miss. town
1/27/2017 · A Christian flag has no place at a veterans memorial, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is telling a Mississippi town. A concerned community member in Rienzi, Miss., contacted FFRF to report that the city's new Veterans Memorial Garden includes a Christian flag alongside the American … More »
Oppose Religious Right’s cruel domestic and international abortion gag rules
1/26/2017 · The Religious Right is already baring its fangs under the new Trump administration. Among religiously motivated congressional threats is a venomous piece of antiabortion legislation passed by the House on Tuesday, Jan. 24, that is now headed to the Senate. If signed into law, H.R. 7 would … More »
Senate needs to view agriculture secretary nominee with skepticism
1/26/2017 · The Senate should be highly apprehensive about President Trump's nominee for secretary of agriculture. Sonny Perdue, the ex-governor of Georgia, has a demonstrable record of fealty to religious overzealousness and a disdain for science. He has revealed his preference for faith over reason-based policymaking on … More »
FFRF documents Pryor’s ‘disastrous’ record; critiques Trump SCOTUS pool
1/25/2017 · A national state/church watchdog released a detailed analysis today documenting why William Pryor, short-listed as a possible Supreme Court nominee, would be a "disastrous appointment, and must be vigorously opposed." President Trump announced he'll be shortly disclosing his nomination to replace the vacancy left by Antonin Scalia's … More »
FFRF, tongue in cheek, questions Trump proclamation
1/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation sent the following letter today to President Trump about a possible typo in his new proclamation for a National Day of Patriotic Devotion. Read the letter below or click here: January 23, 2017 Sent via U.S. Mail and email: www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ The Honorable Donald J. TrumpPresidentThe … More »
FFRF urges a Calif. county not to donate land to church
1/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging a California county not to gift land to a local church group. Placer County is considering donating 26 acres of land to Placer Rescue Mission to construct a "campus shelter" for the county's homeless population, a concerned local … More »
CIA chief nominee has extremist worldview
1/20/2017 · Mike Pompeo, the nominee slated to head the CIA, has a darkly dangerous way of thinking that is based on evangelical Christian notions, contends the Freedom From Religion Foundation. "To worship our lord and celebrate our nation at the same place is not only our … More »
Illinois school district apologizes to FFRF for coach’s public piety
1/19/2017 · An Illinois school district has said sorry to the Freedom From Religion Foundation for a coach's participation in prayer gatherings at school matches. On Dec. 26, after a game between Vandalia Community High School and Pana High School, Coach Brian Buscher took part in a … More »
Trump’s picks a threat to church/state issues
1/19/2017 · Evangelicals who pushed Donald Trump over the top in the election are surely pleased with several of his appointments to the cabinet and other high-ranking positions in his administration. Trump promised to be "the greatest representative of the Christians," and he seems to be heading … More »
FFRF, parent sue to end 75 years of bible classes in Mercer County, W.Va.
1/18/2017 · This visual aid is used among more than 60 images to help teach elementary school students in Mercer County Schools the Ten Commandments.The Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed its first lawsuit of the year to end egregiously unconstitutional "Bible in the Schools" classes in Mercer … More »
Minnesota town removes religious war memorial after FFRF protests
1/18/2017 · A Minnesota town has removed a religious veterans' war memorial after the Freedom From Religion Foundation protested. In Veterans Memorial Park in the city of Belle Plaine, there was a display of a soldier kneeling before a Latin cross next to the Veterans Memorial Stone. … More »
Senate should carefully assess Rick Perry
1/17/2017 · This is an FFRF billboard caricature of Rick Perry at the time of its lawsuit against him The Senate needs to carefully assess Energy Secretary nominee Rick Perry's qualifications for the job. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has serious doubts about his fitness for the post. … More »
FFRF lawsuit removes 14-foot cross in California
1/17/2017 · Local media tweet showing before and after photographsA 14-foot granite cross in a public park in Santa Clara, Calif., was recently removed, following a federal court challenge by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF and a local member sued the city in April 2016, after … More »
FFRF objects to official prayer meeting in Jackson, Miss.
1/17/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has strongly objected to a recent police chief-led prayer meeting in Mississippi's capital and largest city. "State and local leaders gathered Friday for a prayer meeting," reports a TV station. "It was held at the Jackson Police Department's headquarters. Jackson police … More »
Secular groups demand nonreligious drug treatment program for Pennsylvania inmates
1/13/2017 · For Immediate Release The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Humanist Association's Appignani Humanist Legal Center are criticizing the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for unconstitutionally requiring an inmate to participate in a religious program as a condition of parole. The inmate, who identifies as an … More »
Court fails to uphold N.J. bar on church funding in FFRF case
1/12/2017 · A New Jersey state court has decided that tax dollars can be utilized to repair or maintain churches, despite a state constitutional provision barring such use. Superior Court Judge Margaret Goodzeit ruled on Jan. 9 against the Freedom From Religion Foundation's challenge of Morris County's church-funding … More »
Senate needs to firmly cross-examine Betsy DeVos
1/12/2017 · The Senate needs to ask the secretary of education nominee some tough questions at her confirmation hearing, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation has some good suggestions. FFRF is concerned about Betsy DeVos' suitability for the position. FFRF contends that if confirmed, DeVos would work … More »
FFRF urges Ben Carson scrutiny about his zealotry
1/11/2017 · The Senate needs to closely scrutinize Dr. Ben Carson, the Housing and Urban Development secretary nominee, on how his zealotry might affect his leadership. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is requesting that the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs query Carson closely at his … More »
Senate finally acknowledges freethinkers
1/11/2017 · The U.S. Senate is finally addressing the concerns of freethinkers. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the nation's largest nontheistic organization, sought to put these matters front and center in a list of questions it recently sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee to ask Alabama Sen. Jeff … More »
Arkansas religious college grant scandal bolsters FFRF’s case
1/10/2017 · A corruption scandal unfolding in Arkansas demonstrates the pitfalls of disbursing discretionary public grants to religious colleges. "There's a massive scandal brewing in Arkansas involving Republican legislators and a conservative Christian college," Hemant Mehta writes on his Friendly Atheist blog. "Beginning in January of 2013, state … More »
Congress mustn’t eviscerate Planned Parenthood
1/10/2017 · The Republicans must cease their relentless assault on Planned Parenthood. For the umpteenth time, the GOP-controlled Congress has threatened to cut off reimbursement funds for the organization, this time as part of a larger plan to repeal Obamacare. House Speaker Paul Ryan recently announced Republicans will … More »
Questions that the Senate Judiciary Committee should ask Jeff Sessions
1/9/2017 · The nation's largest nontheistic organization is urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to ask the attorney general nominee some hard-hitting questions. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is very concerned about Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions' stated positions on a number of issues affecting the nearly one-fourth of … More »
FFRF has constitutionally disobedient Okla. football coach re-educated
1/6/2017 · An Oklahoma public high school football coach has been re-educated after the Freedom From Religion Foundation alerted the school district to his team's attendance at a sermon. The football team at Edmond Santa Fe High School (in Edmond, Okla.) held a religious event at a … More »
Atheist group: Clemson football proves that pious does not mean moral
1/5/2017 · In spite of — or perhaps due to — its religiosity, the Clemson football program is in trouble as it gears up for the national championship Monday night. Many people are questioning Head Coach Dabo Swinney's ability to teach his students character after reports of … More »
FFRF obtains victory after Illinois ‘Bring Your Bible to School’ day
1/4/2017 · An Illinois school district has pledged to better monitor its social media feed after a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint. FFRF contacted Wayne City Community Unit School District #100 in October to object to a posting on Wayne City High School's Facebook account about a … More »
FFRF increases reward for banner vandalized in Connecticut
1/3/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is increasing the reward offer regarding the recent vandalism of its banner in a Connecticut park. A lifetime FFRF member from the area has generously proposed to augment by $1,000 the amount FFRF initially offered for information leading to arrest … More »
FFRF asks Trump to eject religion and prayer from public oath-taking
1/3/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking Donald Trump to "faithfully execute" the secular Constitution by keeping faith and prayer out of the Inaugural. Religion should not be part of "a ceremony about pleading fealty to a secular Constitution," says the state/church watchdog. The framers … More »
FFRF wins one in N.C. for separation of state and church
12/29/2016 · In this holiday season, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has won a victory for reason. On behalf of a local resident, FFRF recently wrote to the North Carolina town of Butner objecting to a nativity scene in a public park that had been placed there … More »
Kentucky governor needs to rescind his religious proclamation
12/29/2016 · Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin needs to stop bible thumping through the calendar years. After declaring 2016 to be "The Year of The Bible," he has decided to extend that title to 2017, as well. This is part of the governor's promotion of the "Kentucky 120 United … More »
To save court — ‘Time to roll up our sleeves and fight back’
12/28/2016 · By Annie Laurie GaylorCo-PresidentFreedom From Religion Foundation The Washington Post had a chilling report on Christmas Day revealing that Donald Trump will inherit more than 100 judicial vacancies when he becomes president. Even if Trump's presidency is short-lived, the effects of decisions by Trump's lifetime appointees could … More »
FFRF banner stolen from Virginia park
12/28/2016 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner has been filched from a Virginia public park. A FFRF Winter Solstice “Let Reason Prevail” banner had been placed earlier this month next to a crèche scene in Nelson Park in Manassas, Va., by a local FFRF member. It … More »
N.Y. freethinkers group displays FFRF banner in park
12/27/2016 · A New York freethinking organization has unfurled a Freedom From Religion Foundation banner to balance religious displays in a local public park. The Freethinkers of Hastings-on-Hudson recently put up FFRF’s “Reason’s Greetings” banner in VFW Park in the New York village. Next to the … More »
FFRF banner vandalized in Connecticut park
12/27/2016 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner has been vandalized in a Connecticut park. FFRF member Jerry Bloom, with the help of John Levin and Cary Shaw, had recently put up an FFRF banner in Huntington Park in the city of Shelton to counter a nativity … More »
Reason's Greetings
12/24/2016 · … More »
What I want for Christmas
12/23/2016 · By Robert Green IngersollThe Arena, Boston, December 1897 If I had the power to produce exactly what I want for next Christmas, I would have all the kings and emperors resign and allow the people to govern themselves. I would have all the nobility crop their … More »
FFRF halts religious programming at Wisconsin school
12/23/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped religious radio programs from being played at a Wisconsin public school. A concerned community member contacted FFRF to report that a radio in the front office of Osceola Intermediate School regularly played a Christian station loudly enough for … More »
FFRF display reappears at Washington Capitol
12/22/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is returning to the Washington state Capitol. On behalf of its more than 1,000 members in the state of Washington, the nontheistic organization is again installing a Winter Solstice sign in front of the Capitol building in Olympia on Friday, … More »
Alabama ex-chief justice unfit to be U.S. senator
12/22/2016 · Statement by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie GaylorCo-Presidents, Freedom From Religion Foundation The Alabama ex-chief justice notorious for his fundamentalism is completely unfit to be appointed a U.S. senator. "Roy Moore, the suspended chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, is reportedly on Alabama Gov. Robert … More »
FFRF aims to debut display in California Capitol
12/21/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is attempting to make its debut at the California state Capitol to counter a recently installed Christian nativity scene there. Local FFRF members are seeking permission to put up FFRF's whimsical "nativity" cutout depicting three Founding Fathers (and the Statue … More »
FFRF banner returns to Pennsylvania town
12/21/2016 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner is going back up in a Pennsylvania town to counter a tradition of religious displays there. The organization's Winter Solstice banner was first installed in Wilkes-Barre's Public Square in December 2012 and then again in January 2013 after it was attacked … More »
FFRF’s Bill of Rights ‘nativity’ returns to South Bend, Ind.
12/21/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and area member Geoff Snyder have returned a Bill of Rights "nativity" scene to the County-City Building in South Bend, Ind., adjacent to a Christian nativity scene. The display went up Tuesday and will stay up through the end of … More »
FFRF applauds law protecting nontheists
12/20/2016 · President Obama and the U.S. Congress have paid heed to freethinkers. In May, the Freedom From Religion Foundation asked our then-24,000 members to write to their senators to extend protections of freedom of belief to nonbelievers. Well, Congress and Obama seem to have listened. On … More »
After divisive prayer, FFRF urges Illinois county to drop practice
12/20/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling on an Illinois county board to discontinue opening meetings with prayer. The request by the national state/church watchdog (on behalf of its Illinois membership) to the Sangamon County Board in Springfield, Ill., comes after a divisive and controversial prayer. … More »
FFRF Texas Bill of Rights censorship case to continue
12/20/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's lawsuit against gubernatorial censorship of its Bill of Rights display in the Texas Capitol will proceed, following a ruling by a federal judge in Austin today. FFRF placed the display to counter a Christian nativity scene, which was not ordered removed. FFRF's … More »
Away with the manger — in with the Solstice!
12/19/2016 · For a fact, the Christians stole Christmas. We don’t mind sharing the season with them, but we don’t like their pretense that it is the birthday of Jesus. It is the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun — Dies Natalis Invicti Solis. Christmas is a relic … More »
A theocratic group manages to mislead Michigan town
12/19/2016 · A Religious Right organization has regrettably managed to persuade a Michigan town to backtrack on its adherence to the U.S. Constitution. A larger-than-life nativity scene had been removed from a Menominee, Mich., bandstand after a sustained, nearly decade-long effort on part of the Freedom From … More »
South Carolina provides a taste of bad bills to come
12/19/2016 · A new bill has been proposed in South Carolina's Legislature that would openly defy the Constitution by allowing the state's public school teachers to proselytize. HB 3345 claims to promote "academic freedom," but the bill is about emboldening public school teachers to violate the law. It … More »
FFRF’s banner stolen from Florida park after defacement of previous banner
12/16/2016 · Update: Preston Smith used the back of FFRF’s winter solstice banner, which had been spray-painted by vandals, to make his point about free speech. The banner was posted during the last week of the year next to Preston’s resuscitated pentagram, which had also been … More »
FFRF sends message via New York Times on Bill of Rights Day
12/15/2016 · In honor of the anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights, FFRF has a full-page ad in today’s New York Times. Read it below, or click on this link for a larger version. Your support for FFRF at the end of the year, as … More »
Ala. school district does constitutional training on account of FFRF
12/15/2016 · In response to a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint, an Alabama school district will have its staff undergo training to reacquaint them with constitutional principles. FFRF initially contacted the district last month after a parent at Hayden Primary School informed it that a second-grade teacher … More »
FFRF “nativity” display debuts at Iowa Capitol
12/15/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is making its debut at the Iowa state Capitol to counter a recently installed Christian nativity scene. The centerpiece of its display in Des Moines' most famous building will be a whimsical Bill of Rights "nativity." The cutout depicts Founding … More »
Watch out for Rick Perry!
12/14/2016 · This caricature of the prayerful then-Gov. Rick Perry was used in FFRF protests over his 2011 prayer rally. Rick Perry, to be named secretary of energy in Donald Trump's Alice in Wonderland cabinet, is another fanatically religious nominee who has tussled with the Freedom From … More »
Cross removed from Texas fire station thanks to FFRF
12/13/2016 · A cross has been removed from a Texas fire station as a result of the Freedom From Religion Foundation's efforts. FFRF had contacted the city of Longview last December about a cross erected on a local fire station's lawn next to the station's sign. An … More »
FFRF Bill of Rights Day ad runs in NY Times
12/13/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's new ad in the New York Times is needed now more than ever. Click here to view full sized ad. Its full-page ad running in this Thursday's paper warns, "Washington, D.C., is about to be overrun by zealots." The ad is … More »
FFRF members unfurl freethinking banner in Connecticut park
12/13/2016 · Members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation have installed a freethinking banner in a Connecticut park to counter a nativity scene. Jerry Bloom, with the help of John Levin and Cary Shaw, has put up an FFRF banner in Huntington Park in the city of … More »
FFRF unfurls banner in Virginia park next to crèche scene
12/13/2016 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner is proudly fluttering in a Virginia public park as a response to a Christian nativity display. A FFRF Winter Solstice banner has been placed by a local FFRF member next to the crèche scene in Nelson Park in Manassas, … More »
FFRF halts N.C. public school participation in nativity event
12/12/2016 · Due to the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s persistence, North Carolina public schools have stopped their involvement in a Mormon-organized nativity event. FFRF initially complained last year about schools in Wake County participating in the Apex Nativity Celebration, an annual Christmas festivity that a local Latter … More »
Michigan feels the presence of freethinkers
12/12/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is again making its freethinking presence felt in a Michigan county this winter. With the help of local members, FFRF has once more placed a tongue-in-cheek banner proclaiming "Keep Saturn in Saturnalia" near a nativity scene at Mound Road in … More »
Indiana graduation prayer removed as a result of FFRF’s efforts
12/9/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's persistent efforts persuaded an Indiana school district to remove prayer from the local high school's graduation ceremony. Jennings County High School in North Vernon, Ind., had prayers as part of its graduation ceremonies in both 2015 and 2016. FFRF initially … More »
FFRF members exhibit freethinking display at Illinois courthouse
12/9/2016 · Members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation have erected a freethinking display at an Illinois county courthouse to counter a nativity scene. W.P. Meyer and Ryan Bell first obtained the display last year from the state/church separation watchdog to set up in the grounds of … More »
FFRF blasts Trump’s choice of Pruitt to head EPA
12/8/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation knows from experience the awfulness of Donald Trump's choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency. The state/church separation watchdog group has tussled a number of times with Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt. An active promoter of oil, fossil fuels and … More »
We need your help in restoring vandalized FFRF Florida banner
12/8/2016 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner in a Florida town has been vandalized, and we need your help in restoring it. Barely a day after it was put up in Boca Raton's Sanborn Square Park to counter a life-sized nativity scene, our Winter Solstice banner … More »
FFRF’s solstice banner in Florida park defaced
12/7/2016 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner in a Florida town has been vandalized. Barely a day after it was put up in Boca Raton's Sanborn Square Park to counter a life-sized nativity scene, the nontheistic organization's Winter Solstice banner was spray-painted and defaced. The Foundation is … More »
FFRF’s Winter Solstice display returns to Illinois Capitol
12/6/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's Winter Solstice display has returned to the Illinois Capitol building for the eighth year in a row. The exhibit was installed by FFRF member Kathryn Koldehoff in the hub of the Illinois state government in Springfield on Dec. 5 and … More »
Away with the manger — in with the Solstice!
12/6/2016 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner now counters an annual life-sized Christian nativity scene placed by a Catholic Church in a public park in Boca Raton, Fla. FFRF’s banner reads: "At this Season of the Winter Solstice LET REASON PREVAIL. There are no gods, no devils, no … More »
DeVos to use Education Department to ‘advance God’s Kingdom’?
12/5/2016 · Betsy DeVos, Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of education, would be the very embodiment of a fox guarding a chicken coop. DeVos, the billionaire national leader of the euphemistically named "school choice" movement, is a fanatic who has long been determined to force government to … More »
FFRF solstice display makes annual appearance at Wisconsin Capitol
12/1/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's Winter Solstice "no gods" display starts its 21st annual run at the Wisconsin Capitol today. A sign at the exhibit features FFRF's traditional message by its principal founder Anne Nicol Gaylor. It was composed as an equal-time challenge to combat … More »
Heathens’ Greetings -- FFRF’s Winter Solstice Survival Guide
12/1/2016 · It's the first day of December, which means the annual "War on State/Church Separation" has begun, surely more so now with the Religious Right bolstered by its recent electoral triumph. Below you'll find FFRF's handy guide to surviving the holidays. HOW TO KEEP RELIGION OFF … More »
Catholic League stalks the Freedom From Religion Foundation
12/1/2016 · The Catholic League is busy harassing the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The ultraconservative religious organization has sent out a dispatch to its members deriding us and our work. It has asked its members to “try educating FFRF.” As a result, our office has been inundated with … More »
Ohio town could be legally liable due to official nativity scene
11/30/2016 · An Ohio town's official nativity scene could subject it to legal action, warns the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The city of St. Bernard recently placed a nativity scene in front of its City Hall building. The display depicts an infant Jesus lying in a manger, … More »
Michigan town removes nativity scene due to sustained FFRF effort
11/30/2016 · A Michigan town has removed an official nativity scene after a sustained, nearly decade-long effort on part of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A larger-than-life nativity scene had been on display in a prominent town bandstand for years in Menominee during the holiday season. It … More »
Freethinking holiday display on show at Chicago’s Daley Plaza
11/29/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its Metropolitan Chicago chapter have unveiled their annual secular holiday display in the heart of the city. A colorful banner invoking the Founding Fathers was recently unfurled in Daley Plaza. It greets everyone with: "Happy Winter Solstice," and pictures … More »
FFRF plays role in nixing N.C. town funds to ministry
11/28/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation helped prevent a proposed diversion of money from a government-owned liquor store in North Carolina to an evangelical organization. The town of Troutman was considering distributing a portion of the profits from an Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission-managed liquor shop to … More »
Bible verse display removed from public school after FFRF objects
11/23/2016 · A Connecticut public charter school employee's open display of religiosity has been nixed after the Freedom From Religion Foundation alerted her school. An academic assistant at Jumoke Academy Charter School (in Hartford, Conn.) was displaying a bible verse on her profile outside of one of … More »
FFRF: Trump’s pick for education secretary will destroy public education
11/23/2016 · President-elect Donald Trump's pick of Betsy DeVos for education secretary will wreak havoc on public education, says the Freedom From Religion Foundation. DeVos is a proponent of privatizing education through vouchers, a policy approach that will have a seriously negative impact on our education system, … More »
FFRF, ACLU-KY challenge rejection of personalized license plate request
11/22/2016 · The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky (ACLU-KY) and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) today filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Kentucky man denied a personalized license plate reading "IM GOD." Kentucky Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) officials initially refused ACLU-KY/FFRF client Ben … More »
Florida school district initiates strong action due to FFRF
11/22/2016 · A Florida school district has taken strong action against a football coach after the Freedom From Religion Foundation alerted it to his prayers with students. Wakulla Middle School Head Coach Eddie Metcalf was regularly guiding his team in pre-game prayers. He had been filmed doing … More »
FFRF ensures religion-free Ohio public school graduation
11/22/2016 · After a multiyear effort, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has made sure that an Ohio public high school's graduation ceremony will not be infused with religion. FFRF initially contacted Dalton Local Schools in the summer of 2015 with its objections to a benediction at the … More »
FFRF causes Pa. football coach to cease public prayer
11/21/2016 · A public school football coach in Pennsylvania has been asked to stop praying with his team after the Freedom From Religion Foundation contacted his school district. Dunmore High School Head Coach Jack Henzes was regularly guiding his team in pre-game prayers. "It is illegal for public … More »
FFRF’s case against Congress enters new stage
11/18/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's case against the U.S. Congress has reached a new stage. Earlier this year, FFRF sued Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Chaplain the Rev. Patrick Conroy over the refusal to allow Dan Barker, an atheist, to deliver the opening invocation … More »
Send a message to Mike Pence and his boss: The only wall we need is between church and state
11/17/2016 · "It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties."—James Madison Although the presidential election will have alarming consequences, why not have a little fun while fighting back against Mike Pence's theocratic agenda? When you give your tax-deductible donation to FFRF's Legal … More »
Steve Bannon a threat to all we hold dear
11/17/2016 · A key Donald Trump policy advisor is a threat to the Freedom From Religion Foundation's core values and mission — and to the foundations of our secular republic. President-elect Trump recently named Steve Bannon as his White House chief strategist. Bannon is the former executive … More »
FFRF objects to bible study meetings in Wisconsin Capitol
11/16/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strenuously objecting to a weekly bible study meeting that a state legislator has been organizing in the Wisconsin Capitol. Every Wednesday morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Wisconsin state Rep. Paul Tittl convenes a bible study group for … More »
FFRF fruitfully tutors Wisconsin city about U.S. Constitution
11/15/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has taught a Wisconsin city the basics of the U.S. Constitution. Earlier this year, the city of Kenosha's Mayor's Youth Commission voted 5-2 to give $500 to St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church for an Easter retreat for two of … More »
Albuquerque features prominent billboard with timely message
11/15/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its Albuquerque chapter have put up a billboard with a well-timed message in New Mexico's largest city. A billboard has been installed at 152 Montano Road NW with a patriotic slogan superimposed on the image of a waving U.S. … More »
FFRF persuades Ohio village to remove religious seal and declaration
11/14/2016 · An Ohio village has removed a religious seal and declaration after objections from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a national state/church watchdog organization. The seal of the village of Archbold contained a church at its center, nestled within images of education, farming, forestry and industry. … More »
Create a virtual billboard for Openly Secular Day!
11/14/2016 · Openly Secular Day is celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 15, this year. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to put its unique stamp on the commemoration. The mission of Openly Secular Day is to eliminate discrimination and increase acceptance by getting secular people to be … More »
Georgia school district scraps bible class after FFRF complaint
11/11/2016 · A Georgia school district scrapped plans for a proposed bible class partnership with a local Christian group after the Freedom From Religion Foundation complained. In September, FFRF sent a letter to Oconee County Schools that detailed multiple violations in its school system of the constitutional … More »
Bizarre shift cancels Madison’s Freethought Radio broadcast
11/11/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's radio show has been unceremoniously yanked off the air locally. FFRF received belated notice this morning that the broadcast of its decade-long radio program, Freethought Radio, has been canceled by the Madison, Wis., radio station formerly known as "Progressive Talk" … More »
FFRF issues USA Today ad commemorating Veterans Day
11/11/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking out a Veterans Day ad with USA Today that honors those who have served, especially freethinkers. About a quarter of FFRF's members are veterans or in the military. The ad is in a special edition of USA Today being distributed on Veterans … More »
Attend Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Veterans Day observance
11/9/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is holding a special Veterans Day commemoration on Friday, Nov. 11, to honor those who have served, including "atheists in foxholes." About a quarter of FFRF's members are veterans or in the military. The event will be held at the … More »
FFRF fighting like hell for your rights
11/9/2016 · By Annie Laurie Gaylor & Dan BarkerCo-PresidentsFreedom From Religion Foundation The Freedom From Religion Foundation's digital marquee today at Freethought Hall reads: "When the night is darkest, light shines brightest." The Freedom From Religion Foundation is not a partisan office or group. But we are realists. Those who … More »
FFRF complains over partisan politicking
11/7/2016 · Photo via Shutterstock by Bobkeenan Photography Churches should never engage in partisan electioneering. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has recently acted on 15 electioneering complaints, sending letters to the IRS reporting illegal campaign intervention on the part of churches in different parts of the country. Some … More »
Citizens shouldn’t be forced to vote in houses of worship
11/4/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging an Arkansas county to stop using houses of worship as polling places. A significant number of the polling places in Washington County are churches. This was particularly problematic last year when a special civil rights election (to extend … More »
Citizens shouldn’t be forced to vote in mosques — or churches
11/3/2016 · A Florida county should not be using houses of worship as polling places in the upcoming election, as an incident there earlier this year demonstrates. In July, Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher removed The Islamic Center of Boca Raton as a polling location in Florida's Palm … More »
California sheriff department takes corrective action due to FFRF
11/3/2016 · A California sheriff department has assured the Freedom From Religion Foundation that it has taken remedial action after an officer participated in a prayer meeting. Back in May, an undersheriff in the Orange County Sheriff's Department spoke at the Mission Viejo All City Prayer Meeting, held … More »
Nones could sway Election Day
11/3/2016 · This election could be a flashpoint in American history in which secular voters finally eclipse major religious groups in terms of turnout and influence. More than 26 million voters with no religion could turn out on Nov. 8, dwarfing previous records and providing the power … More »
Wisconsin police department oath and code of ethics changed due to FFRF
10/31/2016 · A Wisconsin police department's overtly religious oath and code of ethics has been changed after the Freedom From Religion Foundation protested. The West Allis Police Department's Code of Ethics had included the following line since at least 2013, a line that was part of the … More »
FFRF tutors Wisconsin city about U.S. Constitution
10/28/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is gladly teaching a Wisconsin city the basics of the U.S. Constitution. Earlier this year, the city of Kenosha's Mayor's Youth Commission voted 5-2 to give $500 to St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church for an Easter retreat for two … More »
FFRF objects to religious promotion over school loudspeakers
10/28/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking on some deeply troubling constitutional violations in a Mississippi school district. Administrators at both Biloxi Junior High and Biloxi High in Biloxi, Miss., have reportedly been promoting religious events over the schools' public address systems. At Biloxi High … More »
Nonbelief Relief gives $20,000 to Doctors Without Borders
10/28/2016 · Nonbelief Relief, a humanitarian agency for atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and their supporters to improve this world — our only world — announced today that it has given $20,000 to Doctors Without Borders. Nonbelief Relief was incorporated in 2015, with the Freedom From Religion Foundation as its … More »
FFRF flags religious promotion in Alabama
10/26/2016 · The Freedom from Religion Foundation is sounding the alarm over an Alabama public school teacher’s promotion of a religious event. A third grade teacher at Vestavia Hills East in Vestavia Hills, Ala., recently publicized “Bring Your Bible to School Day” to her students, bringing up … More »
FFRF files brief against loudspeaker-demanding Christian school
10/25/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed an amicus brief against a Florida Christian school that wants to broadcast pregame prayers at state championship football games. Cambridge Christian School in Tampa, Fla., filed a federal lawsuit last month targeting the Florida High School Athletic Association … More »
FFRF objects to coach’s student baptism
10/24/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising objections to a Mississippi public school football coach's baptism of a student-athlete. On Sept. 21, Newton High football Coach Ryan Smith organized and performed a baptism, using a big utility tub, of one of his football players. The entire … More »
FFRF abortion ad runs in Little Rock paper
10/21/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is running a full-page advertisement in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette today asking the question, "What does the bible really say about abortion?" The answer, as the ad puts it, is: "There is no biblical justification for the assault on women's reproductive … More »
FFRF files brief against prayerful Texas school board
10/21/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed an amicus brief in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals against a school board's practice of starting every meeting with a prayer. The Birdville Independent School District Board of Trustees selects students to deliver prayers to the … More »
FFRF protests denial of license plate to Pennsylvania freethinker
10/19/2016 · Update: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has relented, approving Prebeg's request a couple of days ago. The department denied any ideological motive for the initial rejection and instead told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that "employee error" was to blame. FFRF welcomes the change of heart, regardless … More »
Student charges Madison housing with discrimination against non-Catholics
10/19/2016 · A Catholic Church-operated housing facility in Wisconsin's capital is being charged with discrimination against non-Catholics. A student has filed a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission in Madison, Wis., over discriminatory rental practices at a downtown complex forcing renters who are not practicing Catholics to … More »
Longtime Tennessee pastor comes out as atheist
10/18/2016 · A longtime Tennessee pastor recently made a public announcement that he is an atheist. At the opening night of the Freedom From Religion Foundation's recent convention in Pittsburgh, Carter Warden, a former full-time pastor at Crossroads Christian Church in Gray, Tenn., and part-time music minister … More »
FFRF ensures no more assembly prayer in Indiana school district
10/17/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has made sure that public school employees in an Indiana school district will not continue to impose prayer during school gatherings. Back in April, a school guard at the Rise Up Academy (the alternative high school in South Bend, Ind.) … More »
New Analysis: 26 million voters with no religion could turn out on Nov. 8, dwarfing previous records
10/12/2016 · MADISON, WIS. – More than 26 million voters with no religion could turn out on Nov. 8, dwarfing previous records and providing the power to sway the direction of the country for the first time in history, according to a new analysis from the … More »
Grad student essay contest winners named
10/7/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce the 2016 Brian Bolton Graduate/Older Student Essay Contest winners. The list of awardees has seven top places and four honorable mentions. Students were asked to write 600 to 800 words on the topic of "Why God … More »
Indiana county does the right, secular thing
10/7/2016 · An Indiana county has taken a wisely secular action in response to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. After opening its courthouse lawn to an FFRF display and a variety of religious panoramas last winter, Franklin County has passed a new ordinance prohibiting all private exhibits on its … More »
FFRF wants Wisconsin police department oath and code of ethics changed
10/6/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking for a Wisconsin police department's overtly religious oath and code of ethics to be changed. The West Allis Police Department's Code of Ethics has included the following line since at least 2013, a line that is part of … More »
FFRF brings freethought into the Virginia prison system
10/6/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has helped Humanism triumph behind bars—all over the state of Virginia. A freethinking inmate at Coffeewood Correctional Center in Virginia contacted FFRF because his prison had meeting options for Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and a variety of other minority religious … More »
FFRF seeks summary judgment in lawsuit against N.J. county
10/5/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has asked a judge to declare a New Jersey county's millions of dollars in grants for church repair a violation of the state constitution. FFRF and member David Steketee recently submitted their final brief in support of their motion for summary … More »
FFRF objects to baptisms in Georgia public school
10/4/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising objections to the recent baptism of several football players at a Georgia public high school. A number of football players were reportedly baptized on Sept. 14 after school on the property of Heritage High School in Ringgold, Ga. … More »
FFRF Pittsburgh convention unveils major surprise opening night
10/4/2016 · The opening night of the Freedom From Religion Foundation's upcoming convention in Pittsburgh has a major revelation in store. After years as a closeted atheist in the Bible Belt, a former conservative pastor will be coming out publicly on Friday, Oct. 7. "Adam Mann" (a … More »
Court rules that Catholic Church lot in downtown Madison must be taxed
10/4/2016 · Church must pay property tax on downtown lot in Madison, Wis., that is assessed at $4 million A Dane County judge has ruled that the Catholic Church must pay taxes on a multimillion–dollar lot it owns in downtown Madison. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Rhonda Lanford decided … More »
Federal Court To Hear Arguments In Brevard County Legislative Prayer Case Oct. 5
10/3/2016 · A federal court on Oct. 5 will hear oral arguments in an important lawsuit challenging legislative prayer practices in Brevard County, Fla. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the American Civil Liberties … More »
FFRF asks Connecticut police chief to stop disparaging nonbelievers
10/3/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling out a Connecticut police chief's rant against nonbelievers. On Sept. 24, Bridgeport Police Chief Armando Perez addressed a crowd of about 50 people at a "police solidarity march." "We need God in our lives," the media reported him saying. … More »
‘Pulpit Freedom Sunday’ is even more ominous this year
9/30/2016 · "Pulpit Freedom Sunday," an annual event that deliberately seeks to incite church pastors into flouting the law, is assuming an even more ominous tone this year. Christian groups observe "Pulpit Freedom Sunday" to protest what they perceive as undue restrictions that prohibit tax-exempt entities, including … More »
FFRF objects to religion-infused events in Indiana public schools
9/29/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is objecting to events suffused with religion that are due to be held at several Indiana public schools. Two groups are organizing these events. Several Indiana public schools are hosting assemblies for "Break the Grey," a group that addresses troubled-youth topics. … More »
Alabama chief justice shames the state, again
9/29/2016 · Statement by Annie Laurie GaylorCo-PresidentFreedom From Religion Foundation Half a century after Alabama Gov. George Wallace earned the wrath of the Kennedy administration for his stance against desegregation, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore is in hot water for his opposition to same-sex marriage. Moore … More »
California school board must stop invocations—now
9/28/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is continuing its objection to a California school board's practice of starting its meetings with an invocation. The Orange County Board of Education has a tradition of beginning each meeting with an invocation. It allows interested people to request to … More »
FFRF blocks religion from Wisconsin school events
9/28/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has made certain that events hosted by two Wisconsin school districts will not engage in religious promotion. South Shore Junior/Senior High School in Port Wing, Wis., is scheduled to host an Oct. 26 assembly for "Break the Grey," a group … More »
Kentucky county clerk needs to get rid of Ten Commandments poster
9/21/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking a Kentucky county clerk to get rid of a Ten Commandments poster prominently on display in his office. A large, framed version of the Ten Commandments is conspicuously on view at the Bath County clerk's office. It can … More »
Wisconsin county should not contract with Catholic group on homeless center
9/21/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is deeply concerned about a Catholic organization possibly being given charge of a public center for the homeless in Wisconsin's capital. Dane County is planning to contract with Catholic Charities Madison, a religious group, to provide a publicly paid and … More »
Nation’s largest nontheist organization congregates in Pittsburgh
9/19/2016 · The nation’s largest nontheist organization has a fascinating lineup to offer at its annual convention in Pittsburgh in early October.After eight years as a closeted atheist in the Bible Belt, a former conservative pastor will be coming out publicly at Freedom From Religion Foundation's … More »
FFRF halts the sermonizing of a Wisconsin community college instructor
9/19/2016 · A sermonizing Wisconsin community college professor has agreed to mend his ways following the Freedom From Religion Foundation's intervention. Madison College Professor Hiep S. Van Dong, an instructor in the School of Business and Applied Arts, had been encouraging students in his Leadership, Ethics and … More »
FFRF stops kindergarten graduation prayer in Indiana
9/16/2016 · An Indiana public elementary school will stop prayer at its kindergarten graduation ceremonies due to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The ceremony last May at Springs Valley Elementary School in French Lick, Ind., included a prayer delivered by a kindergartener. The prayer was listed on … More »
FFRF awards secular invocations to protest governmental prayer
9/16/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation today announced the four winners of its 2016 "Nothing Fails Like Prayer" contest. The competition is set up to honor nontheistic activists who give secular invocations before local governmental bodies. The winners are: — Aleta Ledendecker, Tenn., whose initial invocation on Jan. 11 before … More »
FFRF, ACLU comment on today's Indiana nativity ruling
9/14/2016 · While pleased that a live nativity pageant in an Indiana public school has stopped for now, the Freedom From Religion Foundation expressed disappointment over a federal ruling today saying a school may employ mannequins in a Christian manger scene during a Christmas celebration. U.S. District … More »
FFRF again calls out Virginia Tech for its football chaplaincy
9/13/2016 · With the college football season in full swing, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is renewing its objection to Virginia Tech's football chaplaincy. FFRF initially contacted the university in August of last year to complain about its chaplaincy program, enclosing a broader national report. Virginia Tech's Director of … More »
Presidential hopefuls pander to religion
9/13/2016 · Donald Trump photo by Michael Vadon under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hillary Clinton photo in the Public Domain. The two presidential candidates from the major parties are doing little to court the growing secular vote. Hillary Clinton took to religious pandering on the campaign trail. She asserted to the … More »
FFRF calls penalty on Gamecocks’ football chaplaincy
9/12/2016 · At the start of football season, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is renewing its objection to the University of South Carolina's football chaplaincy. FFRF initially contacted the university in August of last year to complain about its chaplaincy program, enclosing a broader national report. FFRF is pleased … More »
FFRF throws flag at UW football chaplaincy
9/9/2016 · (Photo / M.P. King, Wisconsin State Journal) At the start of the Badgers' new season, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is renewing its objection to the University of Wisconsin's football chaplaincy. FFRF has been complaining to UW about its chaplaincy program for many years. In August … More »
FFRF objects to Mizzou football chaplaincy
9/8/2016 · At the start of football season, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is renewing its objection to the University of Missouri's football chaplaincy. FFRF initially contacted Mizzou in August of last year to complain about its chaplaincy program, enclosing a broader national report. The university quickly replied, … More »
FFRF objects to Georgia Tech football chaplaincy
9/7/2016 · At the start of football season, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is renewing its objection to Georgia Tech's football chaplaincy. FFRF initially contacted the university in August of last year to complain about its chaplaincy program, enclosing a broader national report. FFRF received an emailed acknowledgment … More »
Kentucky county clerk must remove Ten Commandments painting
9/2/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking a Kentucky county clerk to get rid of a Ten Commandments painting prominently on display in her office. A large painting of the Ten Commandments is conspicuously exhibited at the Trigg County clerk's office. The painting says, "God … More »
FFRF urges end to Texas county prayer
9/2/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking a Texas county to end once and for all the practice of opening its meetings with a prayer. In July, FFRF contacted the Somervell County Commissioner's Court, the county's Board of Commissioners, regarding a newly instituted policy of … More »
FFRF gets elementary school bible club disbanded in California
9/1/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has caused a religious club to be disbanded at a California elementary school. Club Monarch, an afterschool bible club, was run in part by teachers and routinely given preferential treatment at Mariposa Elementary School in Brea, Calif. The club was … More »
FFRF continues objecting to Arizona department head’s promotion of religion
8/29/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is continuing to object to a state of Arizona department head's promotion of religion at work. In June, FFRF sent a letter concerning Department of Economic Security Director Tim Jeffries' email to all department employees about his membership in a … More »
FFRF gets Wisconsin religious entity to pay full school fees
8/26/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has made certain that a Wisconsin religious organization will pay full rental fees at local public schools. Mission of Hope has held several events at public schools in Waupaca, Wis. Among other activities, the events include a prayer tent staffed … More »
Choose a winner, make this country constitutional
8/25/2016 · You can help to make the United States more constitutional by picking a winner in our annual online Nothing Fails Like Prayer contest. The U.S. Supreme Court unwisely (and unconstitutionally) sanctioned sectarian prayer by city and county governments in its May 5, 2014, Town of Greece v. … More »
First Amendment prohibits heckler’s — or governor’s — veto
8/25/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's closing brief in its federal lawsuit, FFRF v. Gov. Greg Abbott, does not mince words. "This case is foremost about the conceit of the censor and the braying of a bully," it says, referring to the Texas governor. Abbott "banished" FFRF's Bill … More »
Nonbelievers grant $10,000 to flooded public school district
8/25/2016 · A freethought charity is providing financial assistance to a flood-hit Louisiana public school district. Nonbelief Relief, which functions as the charitable arm of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, has just donated $10,000 in flood relief to the Livingston Parish Public Schools. The group, which represents … More »
Lunchtime religious public school group disbanded, thanks to FFRF
8/24/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has gotten an outsider-led lunchtime religious group at an Illinois public school disbanded. School administrators at Harrisburg Middle School were allowing a Baptist minister to lead a religious session during lunch hour. He offered free pizza and soda to students … More »
FFRF complaint ends unconstitutional Wisconsin preschool tie-up
8/23/2016 · An unconstitutional tie-up between a Wisconsin school district and a parochial preschool has been nixed following a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint. In Beaver Dam Unified School District, 3-year-old public school students with developmental delays were often being sent to private preschools. FFRF's complainant, who … More »
FFRF blasts AG’s 'foregone conclusion' on courtroom prayer
8/17/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation says the misinformed opinion of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton approving courtroom prayer cannot go unchallenged. Although Paxton's opinion, issued Aug. 15, was foregone and therefore not surprising, that does not make it any less irresponsible. FFRF had acted on two … More »
Arizona public college hotel now ‘bible free’
8/16/2016 · Publicly supported hotel rooms at Thunderbird Executive Inn in Glendale, Ariz., are now bible free, thanks to a request from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF, a state/church watchdog with 24,000 members, contacted the Thunderbird School of Global Management after receiving a consumer complaint. The … More »
FFRF sues Pennsylvania county over cross on seal
8/16/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and several local members are suing Lehigh County in Pennsylvania to remove a Latin cross from the county seal and flag. The federal lawsuit was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. FFRF is a plaintiff, … More »
FFRF keeps after NASA’s unconstitutional grant to religious institute
8/16/2016 · After hearing back from NASA, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has re-upped its request for NASA to revoke a grant in excess of $1 million to a Christian-focused religious institute. In May 2015, NASA's astrobiology program awarded $1.108 million to the Center of Theological Inquiry for … More »
FFRF announces 2016 college essay contest winners
8/12/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to announce the 2016 Michael Hakeem Memorial College Essay Contest winners. The list of awardees has seven top places and 13 honorable mentions from colleges located all over the country. Students were asked to write 700 to 900 … More »
Netflix series ‘Last Chance U’ busts Mississippi college football program
8/11/2016 · Photo from Netflix The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking a Mississippi community college to resolve constitutional violations that a recent documentary has revealed in its football program. The hit documentary series "Last Chance U" has unearthed several infringements at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, … More »
FFRF objects to a sermonizing Wisconsin community college professor
8/10/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising objections to a sermonizing Wisconsin community college professor. Madison College Professor Hiep S. Van Dong, an instructor in the School of Business and Applied Arts, has encouraged students in his Leadership, Ethics and Development course to add religion … More »
National essay scholarships awarded to young minority freethinkers
8/10/2016 · FFRF is pleased to announce that it has awarded $10,000 in scholarship awards in money of Catherine Fahringer to four students chosen by the Black Skeptics of Los Angeles, an African-American atheist community-based group. This year's winners are Kola Heyward-Rotimi (Amherst College), Makeda Scott (University … More »
Court: Parent in FFRF suit has standing to challenge Ten Commandments monument
8/9/2016 · The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit decided today that an FFRF member who is a parent of a high school student has legal standing to challenge a Ten Commandments monument in front of a Pennsylvania school. The court ruled in favor of Marie Schaub, … More »
FFRF gives Florida police chief constitutional lessons
8/4/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is teaching a Florida police chief the U.S. Constitution. In June, FFRF sent a letter to Oviedo Chief of Police Jeffrey Chudnow regarding an Oviedo Police Department Awards Ceremony and Career Track Recognition held in March at the Reformed Theological Seminary, … More »
Mississippi public school cancels prayer service due to FFRF letter
8/3/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation caused a prayer service to be moved out of a public elementary school in Mississippi. The Oak Park Elementary School in Ocean Springs, Miss., was all set to host a back-to-school prayer service yesterday. The Ocean Springs School District was … More »
FFRF wants big cross removed from Texas public park
8/3/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking a Texas town to remove a huge cross from a public park. A large Latin cross is displayed at the entrance to Swenson Park in Spur, Texas. It overlooks the town and can be seen by passersby. "The religious … More »
FFRF objects to religious N.C. school district logo
8/2/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting a blatantly religious school district logo in North Carolina. The logo of Madison County Schools (headquartered in Marshall) contains a triangle with the word "God" at the top and a surrounding square that includes "spiritually" as one of … More »
Come join historic celebration in Illinois
8/1/2016 · Sculptor Zenos Frudakis with the Ingersoll statue, before and after restorationAn eminent Illinois freethinker is being restored to his rightful place in the sun, and everyone is invited. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to announce the rededication of a historic statue in Peoria … More »
2016 William J. Schulz High School Essay winners
8/1/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation congratulates the 16 college-bound high school seniors who won this year's essay competition. FFRF has offered essay competitions to college students since 1979, high school students since 1994 and graduate students since 2010. Seniors were asked to pick from two topics: … More »
2016 Michael Hakeem Memorial College Essay Contest for Freethought Students of Color winners announced
8/1/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce the 10 winners of the 2016 Michael Hakeem Memorial College Essay Contest for people of color. Essayists were asked to write a personal persuasive essay about why they are nonbelievers and their experiences as young nonbelievers … More »
FFRF protests students being punished at San Diego State
7/29/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting the penalization of two San Diego State University students for refusing to participate in a choir performance at a church service. A choir course that Patrick Walders teaches at San Diego State University is mandatory for certain degrees. … More »
FFRF applauds worker victory on religious hospital pension plan
7/28/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation applauds a recent court victory that health care workers have obtained over their religious employers regarding unfair pension plans. FFRF, a national state/church watchdog group, filed a friend of the court brief in a case decided earlier this week … More »
FFRF gets Christian flag removed from courtroom
7/28/2016 · A Georgia courthouse has taken down a Christian flag due to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. An overtly Christian flag on a flagpole boasting an additional cross had been prominently on display next to the judge's bench in a Bryan County courtroom. The flag is … More »
Tennessee county pauses land transfers to churches due to FFRF
7/27/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded a Tennessee county to stop giving away land to churches. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners had repeatedly transferred land to churches for nominal sums under a Tennessee provision that permitted this for nonprofits. For example, the county … More »
FFRF objects to Ohio city scholarships for Christian university
7/27/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is challenging an Ohio town's scholarship program for a Christian university. Grove City is offering its residents scholarships to attend Ohio Christian University's local campus, at the Grove City Church of the Nazarene, as part of the Grove City Higher … More »
FFRF spotlights Texas charter chain’s numerous constitutional transgressions
7/26/2016 · Click here to watch the video. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling attention to a publicly funded Texas charter school chain’s multiple violations of the U.S. Constitution. FFRF is requesting that the Texas Education Agency investigate Advantage Academy and take action to prevent its schools … More »
FFRF urges New Hampshire House to discontinue prayer
7/25/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging the New Hampshire House of Representatives to end its tradition of starting sessions with a prayer. An incident earlier this year highlights the complications that can result from this misbegotten practice. On Feb. 4, Peter Chamberland, pastor of … More »
Freethought plays in Peoria, thanks to FFRF donors
7/22/2016 · An illustrious Illinois freethinker is being restored to his pedestal. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to announce that, with the help of 238 generous donors from 43 states plus Puerto Rico, it has raised the money to refurbish a historic statue in Peoria … More »
Trump’s proposal would turn churches into PACs
7/22/2016 · Donald Trump wants to convert religious institutions into campaign halls. In his nomination acceptance speech last night, the Republican presidential candidate repeated his pledge, now part of the GOP platform, to repeal the Johnson Amendment. Named after then-Sen. (later President) Lyndon B. Johnson, the amendment … More »
Georgia officials pledge to remove Christian flag
7/21/2016 · A Georgia courthouse has promised to take down a Christian flag after a complaint by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A very obviously Christian flag with a cross on top has been prominently on display next to the judge's bench in a Bryan County courtroom. … More »
FFRF takes its message to DNC
7/21/2016 · Don't ignore the power of the secular voting bloc. That's the message the Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. A striking 14-by-48-foot billboard bearing the images of four millennial voters that proclaims "I'm an atheist and I vote" … More »
FFRF protests Ohio judge’s religious sentencing
7/20/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting an Ohio judge's religious actions. On May 25, Judge William Mallory of the Ohio Court of Appeals, First Appellate District, sentenced Jake Strotman, who is religious, to attend Morning Star Baptist Church for 12 consecutive Sunday services. Strotman … More »
FFRF persuades Ohio county commissioner to remove religious references
7/20/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded an Ohio county commissioner to remove religion from her official email signature. Crawford County Commissioner Jenny Vermillion used two inappropriate signature lines in her county email address. The first of these was a reference to an Old Testament … More »
Nontheists get apology for denial of service at Ark protest
7/18/2016 · A regional freethinkers group has received an apology for discriminatory denial of services during a recent protest at a religious theme park. On June 30, Five Star Septic and Portable Toilet Rentals agreed to send portable toilets to a July 7 demonstration against the Ark … More »
FFRF cites Reagan in Cleveland message to GOP
7/18/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is citing to GOP convention attendees the party's patron saint on the importance of keeping religion out of government. FFRF is greeting convention-goers this week with a 14-by-48 message on a Cleveland highway billboard from President Ronald Reagan, possibly the … More »
FFRF urges Christian flag removal from Georgia courthouse
7/15/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging a Georgia courthouse to stop flying a Christian flag. A very obviously Christian religious flag with a cross on top is prominently on display next to the judge's bench in a Bryan County courtroom. The flag is a … More »
FFRF asks San Diego schools to sever partnership with churches
7/15/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging the San Diego school district to end a summer partnership with local churches. The San Diego Unified School District has reportedly formed a partnership with area churches that involves these churches opening up their doors to children to … More »
FFRF gets Texas school district to discontinue religious propaganda movies
7/14/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has convinced a Texas school district to take a harder stance against showing harmful Christian propaganda and anti-evolution movies to students. In Central Heights High School in Nacogdoches, Texas, two teachers showed their students extremely questionable films. In a ninth … More »
Ark Encounter proprietor makes rash big bet to lure public schools
7/14/2016 · Ark Encounter entrepreneur and fundamentalist Christian evangelist Ken Ham may have just bet the farm. He has announced that the $28 children's admission price to his biblical Noah's ark theme park (dinosaurs included!) will be slashed to $1 for any public school student. He will … More »
FFRF decries business discrimination against nonbelievers at Ark park protest
7/14/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and a regional freethinkers' group are decrying the discriminatory denial of services during their protest against a religious theme park. On June 30, Five Star Septic and Portable Toilet Rentals agreed to send portable toilets to a July 7 demonstration … More »
Kentucky judge turns away nonreligious couple
7/13/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has warned a Kentucky judge about his refusal to marry a nonreligious couple. Mandy Heath and her fiancé, Jon, were planning on getting married in Trigg County on July 22 at the courthouse of County Judge Executive Hollis Alexander. Heath … More »
FFRF has praying coach reminded of his responsibilities
7/12/2016 · A prayerful Indiana public school coach was given a talking to, following a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint. The girls' tennis coach at Bellmont High School in Decatur, Ind., led members of his team and their families in a Christian prayer at the last match … More »
FFRF co-sponsors “Atheist Night” in St. Paul on Saturday
7/11/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is inviting Midwesterners to a "godless game" on Saturday, July 16. The "St. Paul Saints" will be renamed "Mr. Paul Aints" for the evening at an event that FFRF is co-sponsoring with the Minnesota Atheists for the third consecutive … More »
FFRF objects to Delaware county’s repeated religious grants
7/8/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is objecting to a Delaware county's repeated grants to religious groups for religious purposes. FFRF wrote the Sussex County Council on Feb. 9 regarding a $10,000 grant to Delmarva Teen Challenge, a religious ministry that purports to help drug addicts … More »
FFRF protests Kentucky public school bands at new “Noah’s Ark”
7/7/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting the participation of two Kentucky public high school bands at a ceremony celebrating a new religious theme park. The Williamstown High School (Williamstown, Ky.) and Grant County High School (Dry Ridge, Ky.) marching bands performed at the ribbon-cutting … More »
FFRF supports denial of a Missouri state grant to a church
7/7/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has co-filed a brief before the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the denial of a Missouri grant to a church. The Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia, Mo., is appealing the refusal of a state grant for the upgrading of a playground … More »
FFRF warning more than 1,000 school districts about new “Noah’s Ark”
7/6/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is advising public schools in more than 1,000 school districts against visiting a new religious theme park. The Ark Encounter, which is opening this week in Kentucky, is a Christian ministry run by the creationist Ken Ham, who also built … More »
Judge rules in favor of religious freedom
7/6/2016 · A federal judge in Mississippi has provided a huge victory to those who believe in actual religious freedom. U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves struck down Mississippi's unconstitutional "religious freedom" bill, HB 1523, last Thursday night. The judge declared the entire bill unconstitutional, with immediate effect. … More »
FFRF wants religious exemption for retirement plans declared unconstitutional
7/6/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed a court brief asking that a religious exemption for retirement plans be deemed unconstitutional. The Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulates retirement plans, but exempts those managed by churches from requirements such as paying insurance premiums, meeting … More »
FFRF billboard “too hot” for Tupelo
7/6/2016 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has been censored in Mississippi. The first billboard it ever put up in the state, on July 1, was removed today. Lamar Outdoor, contending it was getting "a lot of hate," yanked FFRF's digital display this afternoon. The election-year billboard at … More »
FFRF calls for Catholic Church property to be taxed
6/29/2016 · The St. Raphael's congregation owns a 1.3-acre lot in downtown Madison. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is trying to make sure that a Madison, Wis., Catholic congregation pays its fair share of taxes. The state/church separation watchdog group filed an amicus curiae brief this week in Dane County … More »
FFRF gets religious decals on Kansas cop cars removed
6/29/2016 · A Kansas police department has removed religious decals after the Freedom From Religion Foundation complained about them. The police department in Harper, Kan., had placed a decal on the back of patrol cars stating: "Romans 13:4." The New Testament verse in question reads as follows: … More »
FFRF gets Indiana religious sign taken down
6/28/2016 · A religious public school marquee was quickly taken down after a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint. Morristown Jr./Sr. High School in Morristown, Ind., posted "MAY GOD BLESS YOU" as part of its 2016 congratulatory message for its graduating students. Public schools may not endorse a … More »
