And 8 out of 10 LSU students…

I saw this posted to Lamebook, a website that collects at least marginally-amusing social media “fails.” I clipped the image because there’s a comment in the original that I found pretty offensive and over-the-top, and it’s really beside the point as far as we’re concerned here. My point in the re-post is mostly to say: these people exist. And the 26 people who liked it? They exist too.

Briefly, because it just barely still needs to be said: atheists can be plenty moral. In fact, most of moral philosophy is entirely secular. And frankly, it’s pretty scary if the only think keeping you from being a violent criminal is the fact that you believe God said not to — or that God is bribing you with the promise of reward or the threat of punishment.

As far as this “walk on campus without being afraid for your life” part — Tiffany & Co., I’m sorry to have to break it to you, but atheists have been around on your campus this whole time. You have atheist classmates, atheist professors, atheist TAs. I’d bet LSU also employs atheist cashiers in your dining halls, atheist janitors who clean up your messes, and atheist bus drivers chauffeuring you around in campus shuttles. They weren’t threatening you before, and they’re not threatening you now. In fact, they’ve learned to put up with you and your religious bigotry. Learn to live with them.

Finally, if it really is true that 20% of LSU students are atheist (I couldn’t find this “poll” myself), a note to all y’all: I’m sorry you have to deal with people like Tiffany and her friends. Stay strong. You are not alone.

Edited to add: AHA at LSU is the club for atheists, humanists, and agnostics at Louisiana State. Check them out, and follow them on Twitter!