With an increasing number of Americans leaving religion behind, the University of Miami received a donation in late April from a wealthy atheist to endow what it says is the nation’s first academic chair “for the study of atheism, humanism and secular ethics.”

The chair has been established after years of discussion with a $2.2 million donation from Louis J. Appignani, a retired businessman and former president and chairman of the modeling school Barbizon International, who has given grants to many humanist and secular causes — though this is his largest so far. The university, which has not yet publicly announced the new chair, will appoint a committee of faculty members to conduct a search for a scholar to fill the position.

“I’m trying to eliminate discrimination against atheists,” said Mr. Appignani, who is 83 and lives in Florida. “So this is a step in that direction, to make atheism legitimate.”

I mean, Jesus Christ, I'm an atheist, but what is there to study? Guess what, students; there aren't any leprechauns either, and many scholars are beginning to question the existence of the Tooth Fairy.

I'm available. Will send c.v. I just hope it's not some asshole from Reason.
We have fresh meat in teh 'VIlle? Brazilians?