The March for Science, Washington, D.C. — On April 22, 2017 — Earth Day — thousands of scientists, science advocates and general enthusiasts rallied on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., at the first-ever March for Science. The organizers estimate that over 600 sister marches also occurred around the world.
The march may be “unprecedented,” sociologist Kelly Moore told Rachel Ehrenberg for a blog post giving a historical perspective on scientists’ activism. “This is the first time in American history where scientists have taken to the streets to collectively protest the government’s misuse and rejection of scientific expertise.”
MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ/AP PHOTOMarch for science will take scientists’ activism to a new level
Lab coats aren’t typical garb for mass demonstrations, but they may be on full display April 22. That’s when thousands of scientists, science advocates and science-friendly citizens are expected to flood the streets in the March for Science. — Rachel Ehrenberg
The March for Science took place next to the Washington Monument, opposite the White House. Grounds opened at 8 a.m. and filled up quickly.
Some speakers seemed keenly aware of fears of mixing science and politics, a common criticism of the event over the last few months, and didn’t shy away from the intersection.
“Some people are going to say that we’re politicizing science, but we’re not. We’re defending it.” – @GlobalEcoGuy#marchforsciencedc
(Physicist Rush Holt is the CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a sponsor of the march, and was a U.S. Congressman for 16 years.)
There’s no more noble cause than ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. – @MichaelEMann of Penn State #MarchForScience
The rally also featured some pioneers of various sorts. Nancy Roman, aka “Mother Hubble,” was the first woman to hold an executive position at NASA in the 1960s.
K. Travis
Astronaut Leland Melvin told an entertaining anecdote about getting his start in science in sixth grade when his mom gave him “an age-inappropriate, non-OSHA-approved chemistry set.” At one point, a chemical explosion blew up her living room. But, “that’s what got me hooked on science,” he said.
K. Travis
Pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha took the stage with Amariyanna “Mari” Copeny, aka “Little Miss Flint.”
The rally wrapped up just before 2 p.m., and the march began. Thousands of people poured into the streets for the march down Constitution Avenue toward the U.S. Capitol building.
