I am an atheist. No, I am not morally askew because I don't follow a religion. I'm not in need of guidance. And I'm not interested in dissuading anyone from his or her own beliefs. However, I am becoming more and more aware of the isolation other members of this minority must feel on the Brandeis campus where the presence of religion is so strongly stated.Contrary to what is commonly perceived by outsiders, Brandeis is religiously diverse and the University attends to all of these religions graciously. With an interfaith chaplaincy, it would be difficult to make the argument that Brandeis doesn't make every effort to welcome every faith. However, my issue isn't with the actual presence of religion on campus. Rather, my issue is with the lack of community for the nonreligious.

Nearly a year ago when I discovered I had been accepted to Brandeis, I gave little thought to the school's large Jewish population. I never anticipated that I would regret the absence of a community when surrounded by individuals who habitually come together to participate in their faith. Arguably, this strong presence of religion is inconsequential if the nonreligious had a community of their own to retreat to. However, as of right now, this society doesn't exist.

What makes the Jewish population on this campus so overwhelming is the united community these individuals have and the numerous organizations that have sprouted from this community, including the Brandeis Orthodox Organization and the Brandeis Reconstructionist Organization. Similarly, other religions have the Muslim Student Association, and Catholic Student Organization.

Atheists on campus do have the Brandeis Humanists club, a club which contends that students can lead "fulfilling and meaningful lives without the influence of religion." Given that, theoretically, we have the potential of a community, what is preventing atheists from finding their niche on this campus?

Perhaps it's the stigma and judgment still associated with atheism in our society that prevents people from openly acknowledging their beliefs. When taking into account the ever-increasing religiosity of our country, especially apparent in political issues, atheists are some of the most distrusted members of society, as corroborated by a 2003 study by the University of Minnesota. In a corresponding 2006 study, also conducted by the University of Minnesota of 2,000 random candidates, 39.5 percent believe atheists do not share their idea of the American society. Understandably, atheists negate the core religious structure of our country-they marginalize themselves. Even now, the Boy Scouts of America have barred atheists or agnostics from becoming members or leaders in their organization.

In a similar case of discrimination, the nowretired Chief of the National Guard Bureau Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum openly condoned the disparagement of atheist soldiers because, as they have no religion, they don't have freedom of religion. The presence of a strong secular community can help individuals cope with the discrimination and difficulties of living as an atheist. With the inability to come together in a mosque, temple or church, atheists forego the social aspects that are found in religious congregations.

While atheists don't need the texts, traditions and customs of a religion, the community sense of religion is a feature that is both desirable and recommended for the nonreligious. As creatures that naturally search for belonging, atheists can benefit from the psychological support and comfort of a community. But is it even possible to unite people on the basis of non-belief?

The recent increase of secular groups on college campuses demonstrates that it is. According to the Secular Student Alliance, secular organizations have increased by 43 percent from 2009 to 2010. Moreover, the number of SSA-affiliated groups on campuses has risen from 159 to 225 in a year with chapters at prominent colleges, such as Stanford University, Yale University, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and Harvard University.

Whether there simply are more nonreligious college students or because more are coming forth and partaking in these secular organizations, this increase indicates that students are forming communities to support each other and their shared beliefs. It is just as important for students on this campus to showcase their non-belief as it is for the Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus or Buddhists to declare their belief systems.

While the Brandeis Humanists club exists, it seems to lack a significant presence on campus. The isolation of this minority is only felt if there is no support system or community in place. Certainly, the current membership of this organization does not reflect how many individuals on campus consider themselves nonreligious.

However, this group is just a platform for coming together and discussing our beliefs and non-beliefs. Our essential task is to vocalize our doubts and ideas in an intellectual forum because there is strength in numbers. Congregating under a common identity where we can each affirm that we are not the only atheists or agnostics on campus is the start of a successful secular community.