The "Stand Up for Science" march drew thousands of participants to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on March 7. Organized primarily by graduate students, the event aimed to defend science as a public good and essential component of social, political, and economic progress. The march was a response to actions by the Trump administration that targeted the U.S. scientific enterprise in its initial weeks. The gathering was marked by high-profile speakers, including Francis Collins, Bill Nye, and Phil Plait, who underscored the importance of science in shaping society.
The protest was organized by a group that had garnered support from 3,000 individuals, including Sara Rouhi, a key organizer and a co-author of the Declaration to Defend Research against U.S. Government Censorship. Rouhi, who works in research publishing, emphasized the collective effort required to counter the administration's policies.
“We’re trying to organize people across the board to push back,” said Sara Rouhi.
The march was noteworthy for being the first protest for approximately 22 percent of its participants, according to a survey conducted by Fisher and her colleagues. The crowd was notably well-educated, with 37 percent holding advanced degrees such as a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. This demographic reflects the community's commitment to advocating for science amidst political challenges.
The event highlighted a broader movement of scientific resistance against what many perceive as an "authoritarian offensive" by the Trump administration. The organizers and attendees hope that this protest will be the beginning of sustained advocacy for science.
“Nowadays it’s really very different. Protest becomes the beginning of a movement rather than the end,” noted Fisher.
Speakers at the event stressed the need to uphold scientific integrity and resist censorship. Atul Gawande addressed the crowd, emphasizing the moral responsibility to remain vigilant against misinformation.
“We must bear witness to the truth. We must bear witness to the damage,” stated Atul Gawande.
The march not only served as a platform for scientists to voice their concerns but also as an opportunity for the public to engage with scientific issues. The presence of influential figures like Bill Nye helped draw attention to the critical role science plays in everyday life.
“There’s a right way and a wrong way to do protests, especially protests as a form of resistance,” Fisher added, highlighting the importance of strategic organizing in advocacy efforts.
Leave a Reply