Dear Friend,
Earlier this week, we celebrated Religious Freedom Day, a commemoration of the day in 1786 that Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was enacted. It would, as you probably know, become a model for the religious freedom clauses of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.
Jefferson acknowledged the possibility that future lawmakers could attempt to repeal or narrow the statute, warning that to do so “will be an infringement of natural right.” Over two centuries later, in our 2025 State of the Secular States report, we find his apprehension was warranted: Our analysis showed religious equality is under attack all across the country and endangered in half the states.
Only a week or two into state legislative sessions, our policy team is already monitoring 162 bills. Some of them, if signed into law, will safeguard constitutional rights and advance religious equality. But a far greater number would further erode the separation of religion and government.
If you missed the webinar we hosted this week, our team talked about why state legislation matters, why these issues are atheist issues, and why it’s so critical for each of us to not only stay informed but also engaged in our local communities and state legislatures.
You can count on American Atheists to help. Over the past few months, we’ve been making some changes around here to ensure we’re ready for what’s to come. In recognition of their dedication and contributions to our organization, I’m pleased to announce three staff promotions and introduce a new member of our team:
Sam McGuire is a familiar face to many in our secular community, as she’s been an activist and organizer since 2012. Previously our National Field Director, Sam is excited to take a more active role in our state legislative work as the Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy. While she’ll continue working with local activists, affiliate groups, and Secular Advocacy Teams, Sam will also be overseeing our coalitional work, building relationships with partner organizations and ensuring American Atheists always has a seat at the table.
Geoffrey T. Blackwell, formerly our Litigation Counsel, has accepted the role of Legal Director for American Atheists. Geoffrey has been with American Atheists since 2016. In his new position, he’ll be overseeing our litigation strategy, monitoring developments in federal policy, weighing in on relevant court cases through amicus briefs, and working to educate the legal community.
Melina Cohen is a more recent addition to our team, joining us in 2023 as our Director of Communications. She came to us with a wealth of experience in education policy advocacy and organizing, having spent six years staving off school privatization measures in Nebraska. Given her expertise in this area, Melina will be stepping into the Director of Strategic Communications & Policy Engagement role to lead our legislative messaging and expand our library of policy resources.
We’re also excited to welcome Victoria Anderson as our State Policy Counsel. She’ll be assisting in the management of our state-level advocacy efforts, including tracking legislative developments, coordinating with our local advocates, and developing advocacy materials. Victoria has previously worked with Secular Student Alliance, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and as a law clerk for American Atheists.
These are the faces of our Legal & Policy Team. Together with our other talented staff members, our tireless volunteers, and thanks to the generous support of people like you, I know American Atheists is prepared for the challenges we will face over the coming weeks, months, and years.
Jefferson was right: Our freedom of and from religion is a human right. But there are those who want to rewrite our nation’s history and laws to enrich and empower themselves: Religious freedom for me and not for thee. The Christian Nationalists’ crusade has been decades in the making, and it isn’t over yet.
We, too, have been doing this work for decades, and we’re not going anywhere. It won’t be easy. But on Monday and in the days that follow, please know you’re not alone. We’re in this together.
In solidarity,
Nick Fish
President
American Atheists is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan, nonprofit educational organization that relies on the support of members like you. Contributions are tax-deductible. Our Federal Tax ID Number is 74-2466507 and our Combined Federal Campaign number is 52217.
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