Atheist Groups and College Campuses

I just finished reading an article in The Washington Post by Eric Gorski that talks about the increasing visibility of non-religious groups on college campuses. It got me thinking a bit...
Human nature gives us the desire to belong - to find others who support our views and encourage our ideas. Young people especially need a sense of community and acceptance by their peers. Atheist and agnostic groups have been around for ages, but there has long been fear of stirring up the public debate.
There are a few things that I find incredibly interesting about this. First, I am impressed by willingness of young people to express their views have an open discussion. In this country it can be dangerous to engage in public discussion about the questionable validity of religious beliefs. The Christian right has a very powerful voice and has immersed itself in the political process.
More importantly I think it is important to point out the humanistic and often spiritual focus that many of these groups have. Support human rights for the sake of human beings - not because its what their religion instructs them to do. Passion for an issue without an underlying agenda is an incredibly compelling thing.