University of Miami To Hire World's First Chair of Atheism Studies
Friday, May 20, 2016 at 4 p.m.
By Kyle Munzenrieder
Lack of belief doesn't necessarily mean lack of anything to study. That's the reasoning behind the University of Miami's decision to establish what is believed to be the world's first academic chair “for the study of atheism, humanism and secular ethics.” The school hasn't publically announced it yet, but several key players talked with The New York Times in advance.
The creation of the chair is part of a larger effort by new University President Julio Frenk to establish 100 new academic chairs in time for the school's centennial celebration in 2025, but the driving force behind the new title is millionaire retired businessman Louis J. Appignani. He's donated $2.2 million to fund the chair.
“I’m trying to eliminate discrimination against atheists,” Appignani told The Times. “So this is a step in that direction, to make atheism legitimate.”
Apprignani, now an 83-year-old Florida retiree, is the former president and chairman of the Barbizon International modeling school. Raised Catholic, Apprignani turned to Atheism in college and has since created a foundation to give to several secular and humanist causes. He's also previously sponsored two talks by noted Athiest Richard Dawkins at the University of Miami.
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/university-of-miami-to-hire-worlds-first-chair-of-atheism-studies-8470133
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