In this era of growing tolerance and understanding toward atheists, it is understandable that those still professing to have religious faith to try to force atheists back in the closet -- or, in this case, into another building.

However, The Penn State Atheist Agnostic Association (PSAAA) has every right to meet in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center ("Pasquerilla presence questioned," March 19). Religionists would of course want this valuable and relevant group silenced and segregated from their flock because rational thought is a threat to religion by nature, but equality goes both ways, and bigotry is ugly.

Who is next? Are they also going to force out the Jews? The Hindus? The Buddhists? It's time the theistic community realize that as the fastest growing theology in the country (in all 50 states and especially on college campuses), atheists are here to stay, and we will never be silenced or discriminated against again.We're here, we don't believe in your gods, but this building is just as much ours as it is yours. Move over and play nice.

Dave Silverman

Class of 1990

national spokesman, American Atheists