• Accessibility Tools
  • Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Humanist Disaster Recovery
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Report a Violation or Discrimination
    • Find a Local AHA Chapter
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
November 24, 2014 News, Press Releases

Humanist Group Admonishes State University for Religious Fundraising

Facebook Twitter Email Share
November 24, 2014 News, Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Merrill Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org

David Niose, 202-238-9088 ext. 119, dniose@americanhumanist.org

Monica Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 120, mmiller@americanhumanist.org

(Washington, D.C., Nov. 24, 2014)—Today the American Humanist Association’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center sent a letter to officials at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on behalf of an alumnus and his wife, objecting to a university-sponsored fundraiser for a Christian church.

At a Rutgers football game, a portion of all concession stand proceeds were donated directly to the Church of God in Christ for All Saints. The letter states that as a public university, Rutgers’ encouragement of patrons to make monetary contributions to a Christian church is an unconstitutional state endorsement of religion. The letter also states that patrons who wished to purchase concessions had no choice but to contribute to the church. While the American Humanist Association strongly supports charitable giving, the letter advises the university that there are innumerable ways in which the school can promote charity without entangling itself in religion. 

“Numerous cases make clear that even the mere appearance of a joint exercise of authority between Church and State provides a significant symbolic benefit to religion and therefore has the unconstitutional primary effect of advancing religion,” said Monica Miller, an attorney with the Appignani Humanist Legal Center. “In this instance, the state university is not only symbolically endorsing religion, but is also providing a direct monetary benefit to a particular Christian church, which violates the Establishment Clause in an elementary sense,” she added. 

The letter demands that all state-sponsored fundraising efforts on behalf of a Christian church cease immediately.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

###

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other non-religious Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

Special thanks to the Louis J. Appignani Foundation for their support of the Appignani Humanist Legal Center.

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

How Overturning Roe Will Impact More Than Just Abortions

Emily Newman

Fighting White Christian Nationalism at #AHACON22

Nicole Carr

The Abortion Debate Isn’t About Life; It’s About Control

Megan B. Wells

Building Humanist Communities at #AHACON22

Nicole Carr

What Would a Humanist Do? Tough and Necessary Conversations

TheHumanist.com Staff
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Report a Violation or Discrimination
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2022 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaGuideStarCharity NavigatorGuidestar 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency