Amendments on the Ballot 2024 Obviously, the election in November will have important consequences for our civil rights, for the Separation of Church and State, the functioning of our democratic institutions, and basic personal freedoms. We Freethinkers are most likely already very attuned to the Presidential and Congressional elections. But we Freethinkers should be sure …
David Schwam-Baird
Dr. David Schwam-Baird formerly served as Associate Professor of Political Science in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, at the University of North Florida. Dr. Schwam-Baird taught courses on International Politics, with an emphasis on the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. He also taught courses on Political Philosophy. David has lived in Jacksonville and taught at UNF since 1994. He has been a member of the First Coast Freethought Society since its earliest days, having served as president, vice president, and program chair in the past. He is happy to be active in FCFS again. He strongly believes that as freethinkers, defenders of free speech, and as science advocates, FCFS has an important role to play in Northeast Florida.
Humanist Imprisoned in Nigeria Needs Our Support
In 2022 Mubarak Bala, the president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for “creating a public disturbance” in online posts which allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad. At the time, the American Humanist Association and other groups concerned with freedom of conscience and human rights called for letters of …
Aiding Victims of Violence in Gaza and Israel
Israelis. Palestinians. The violence is atrocious, from whatever angle you look at it. The human tragedy is heartbreaking. Yet far too many people are shouting, nay, screaming from their absolute positions, with ironclad assurance that anything the group with which they sympathize does is excusable, if not laudable, and the other side is to be …
HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
The Foundation Beyond Belief (FBB) is a humanist organization affiliated with the American Humanist Association which provides or directs aid from humanists to victims of natural disasters or human rights crises. Please follow the link below to find out how you can help the Ukrainian victims of the Russian invasion:
Watching the 2022 Florida Legislative Session
The 2022 Florida Legislative Session opens January 11 and runs through March 11. There are several bills in the hopper which should be of great concern to Freethinkers. These include bills which could impact citizens’ rights to monitor police behavior; or could penalize teachers, professors, state officials and agencies for discussing political, economic and social …
Schwammy Joins the Advocacy Committee
Long-time FCFS member David Schwam-Baird (a.k.a. Schwammy, a.k.a. DSB) joins the Advocacy Overview Committee!
ADVOCACY OVERVIEW
Our Advocacy Overview will endeavor to keep us apprised of current and pending legislation and other issues relative to the First Coast Freethought Society. We take our cue from the United States Constitution, the Florida Constitution, and applicable jurisprudence. The Advocacy Committee members edit the Advocacy Pages on the First Coast Freethought Society Website. The …