The student-led Kennesaw State University Atheists United received a message in mid June that contained a photograph of one of the organization’s event fliers, defaced with a large, red cross that appeared to be painted on.
The photograph was sent to the group’s Twitter account @KSUAtheitstUNITE from user JaleelBoykins. The picture included the message, “The Power of Christ compels you.”
Soon after, KSU Atheists United received another message with a second photograph and the message, “How strong?” The second photograph was of six of the group’s fliers torn down and laid edge to edge on a bed.
After the first two messages from JaleelBoykins, the group got a message and photograph from user TheZacharyRodgers. It was a photograph of seven more fliers torn down and painted with red crosses, with the message, “My roommate did this to the ‘KSU atheists united’ posters. The power of Christ compels you!”
KSU Atheists United President Brian Neal Clyne said a lot of people, theists and non-theists alike, are upset by the messages.
“It represents KSU poorly, it represents theism poorly and it represents the person who sent it poorly,” Cline said.
The vandalized fliers were posted to announce a lecture to be given by the Rev. Teresa MacBain, a former Methodist pastor who is now an atheist. After learning of the vandalism, Clyne asked that MacBain not attend the lecture because of concerns for her safety. In response, some of MacBain’s associates decided to blog about the incident and help raise money in support of KSU Atheists United.
Clyne said the group changed the event in response to the vandalism.
“We have changed our upcoming event to an open debate so we can discuss the idea of theism in an open forum.”
After the flier vandalism, Clyne said he no longer felt comfortable because of the possibility that the offenders might attend.
Clyne said the proper authorities were informed and complaints were filed on behalf of the group.
“We will continue to move forward with our events and schedule debates in an open forum and continue welcoming discussion,” Clyne said.
Both Twitter users could not be reached for comment.
University Relations Tammy DeMel provided a statement on behalf of KSU officials, regarding the vandalism.
“It is customary at colleges and universities for different ideas to be discussed and debated,” said DeMel. “KSU recognizes and respects the rights of individuals and groups to express their opinions. If the rights and privileges of any individual or group on KSU’s campus are disrespected or violated in any way, then appropriate action would be forthcoming.”
KSU Atheists United can be reached through Twitter and Facebook.
KSU Atheists United wishes to thank KSU for the great support we have received. We never thought that it would be easy to create an “atheist group” in Kennesaw, GA. It is important to remember that all of us have beliefs. We all have the right to express our beliefs, in a respectable manner. We will strive to always be respectful of the beliefs of our fellow students and staff members, and desire the same respect.
GO OWLS!
Brian Neal Clyne can be emailed at cobbclyne@gmail.com