2008 Woodie Awards
Secular Students of Miami provides contrast to traditional religious groups
Betsy King
Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: Campus
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According to a 2006 survey from the Office of Institutional Research, 79 percent of Miami students believe in some sort of a god. SSM hopes to account for this percentage of students who fall on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to religion. While there is a club representing virtually every religion on campus, there has not been one to represent the students who are skeptical and question its validity, until now.
"By promoting skepticism and encouraging questions, we hope to create tolerance and understanding for people who have a secular worldview, as well as provide a community for atheists, agnostics, humanists, and other secularists," said Eric Frey, one of the co-presidents of SSM.
The club has received positive feedback in the short time it has been established.
"True to the suspicions of all the officers, it seems this club is just what Miami has been in need of," said Abigail Zofkie, co-president of SSM. "Our first meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 29 played host to about 48 interested students. It was standing room only in our little room in Culler (Hall)."
SSM members say their advertising techniques-both Facebook.com and sidewalk chalk drawings-have worked.
"Our Facebook group currently has 65 members," Zofkie said. "Compare that to Ohio State University's group for their secular club which has about 75 members. The other officers and I have been receiving e-mails and Facebook posts from countless members expressing their gratitude for us having started this group."
Lauren Meyer, a sophomore Miami student shares her opinion of SSM.
"I think it's great that someone has taken initiative to create this organization," Meyer said. "It will help encourage students who have previously felt insecure about their beliefs to feel comfortable enough to express themselves."
Throughout the year, the club hopes to have official events that would include speakers, discussions, and anything that helps to spread awareness of their organization. They also encourage any students to join who are curious, regardless of religious affiliation.
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