You Are Not Alone

There are hundreds of thousands of nonreligious individuals who are law enforcement officers, other employees in the U.S. criminal justice system, and specialists in the security industry. The PEW survey below shows that 29% of U.S. adults describe themselves as religiously unaffiliated (including 19% as “nothing in particular”, 6% as agnostic, and 5% as atheist).

Many folks do not discuss their beliefs – or lack thereof – in the workplace, but as a freethinker you are one of many (even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes). Millions of people work in our professions of law and order, and freethinkers in all of these groups are inspirational examples of how people don’t need religion to be patriotic, moral, fulfilled, or motivated to help others.

Pew Research Center, 2025. “2023-24 U.S. Religious Landscape Study Interactive Database.” doi:10.58094/3zs9-jc14.

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Highlighted Issues

Below are some common questions and circumstances that we have discussed with criminal justice employees. We have not published answers to these questions for a couple reasons. First, our conversations can be very sensitive where the privacy of personal information and specific facts is paramount. Second, we don’t want to advocate solutions to one situation that may not be applicable to another (yes, that is the lawyer in us talking). Referrals can be incredibly helpful but also very customized due to different policies, work environments, and other factors between a variety of professions at the federal, state, and local level.

Our intention with the below questions is instead to give at least a beginning picture of how freethinkers can feel marginalized or even discriminated against at their job; how particular issues are experienced time and again; and how we (and you) are not alone in these challenges or in the efforts to work through them.

• I have been treated differently at work because people know about my beliefs. What can I do?
• Is being nonreligious a qualified category for Equal Employment Opportunity claims? Can it serve as a basis for Alternative Dispute Resolution matters, other mediation programs, and formal disciplinary complaints where there is evidence of bias?
• While starting my job or during an assignment, I was required to recite and/or sign an oath which referenced a god or had some other religious reference. What are my options for compliance?
• I’ve been told by others (even with good intentions, sometimes), that law enforcement is a rewarding career because “we are doing God’s work”. What are some positive but educational responses to them about this?
• I would like to use the services of a chaplain program (or its equivalent for nonreligious employees). If my department does not have a nonreligious chaplain available, how can I find other resources?
• I feel increasingly isolated on my team because other members are outwardly religious, and they don’t know about my views. How can I navigate the issue, or should I bring it up at all?
• I have been asked to participate in a meeting or ceremony with a religious component. Do I have to comply? How can I refuse with minimal impact to me?
• I attended an official event (such as an academy graduation, or a memorial for fallen officers) which had religious references or components to it, and I want to provide feedback about it. What are some best ways for me to voice my concerns? I want to challenge the religious parts without sounding disrespectful to everything else.
• The phrase “no atheists in foxholes” continues to bother me, and I’ve heard it both from co-workers, law enforcement partners, and members of the public. How can I best respond and educate people?
• I was testifying in court, and I was asked to put my hand on a Bible while swearing to tell the truth. Am I required to do this?
• My direct supervisor or executive management frequently makes religious references in emails and meetings. How can I (or even should I) raise this as an issue?
• I’ve seen people display bible verses in their cubicles or in their email signatures. I’ve also seen people wear religious signs on jewelry that is visibly displayed while performing their official duties. Is this permitted? Can I do the same with an atheist, humanist, or freethinker symbol?