We all are aware of the recent protests following the inauguration of Donald Trump, such as the international Women’s March and protests of the travel ban at various airports. The next organized protest is the March for Science, which will also be international. This march will take place on Earth Day; April 22, 2017, and its slogan is “Science, not Silence” (1).
Some scientists feel marginalized by the beliefs of our president, as well as some policy changes such as the Dakota Access and Keystone XL Pipelines. He even asked agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency to decrease their publicity. This has outraged some people, so they decided that they would make their voices heard. However, organizers of the March for Science aim to not make the march anti-Trump to make it unbiased.
One test-rally has already occurred, so there is an idea of what it will be like. This rally, named the “Stand Up For Science Rally” took place in Boston, Massachusetts. Some worry that the Trump administration isn’t handling the facts very well. An example of this is when Kellyanne Conway coined the phrase “Alternative Facts.” Rush Holt, the CEO of the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) and former Democratic House representative from New Jersey argues, “When officials use phrases like ‘alternative facts’ without embarrassment, you know there’s a problem” (2).
As made clear, Americans are concerned for the future of science and the environment, and that scientists are being repressed. Some feel that the government has been manipulating the public, and that lies will continue to be presented as partial-truths. Professor Nancy Kanwisher, a brain researcher at MIT, stated “The political tactic of denying scientific fact is a huge threat to the health of our people. It is also a huge threat to our planet from climate deniers” (3).
If you are interested in attending the march, there will be one taking place in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the time and location are still to be determined, but updated information can be found on the march’s website listed in the citations. I will likely attend, and I hope that you will march to show others that science isn’t optional.
Remember, “Science, not Silence.”
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