‘Science saves lives’: Oxford’s local Stand Up for Science rally

Miami University students and professors, as well as Oxford community members participated in the national Stand Up for Science rally at the Oxford Memorial Park on March 7.

Protesters called for an end to scientific censorship and political interference, protection for scientific funding, reinstatement of wrongfully dismissed federal employees and defense of diversity, equity and inclusion in science.

Protests were held across the United States, Canada, France, Norway, Slovakia and Austria, according to the Stand Up for Science website. The largest rally was in Washington D.C., drawing in thousands of people and inviting speakers such as Bill Nye and former National Institute of Health director Francis Collins.

John Bailer, a University Distinguished Professor emeritus, and co-founder of the Stats+Stories podcast, organized Oxford’s rally.

“There was a call for this event, I didn’t know if there was going to be a local one, so I just decided, maybe there should be,” Bailer said. “My role is trying to invite people to get together to continue to stand up for science and what it provides for our community.”

At 1 p.m. on Friday, students, professors and community members gathered in the park pavilion to make signs for the protest. Some signs read, “Science saves lives” and “Science: it’s true whether you believe it or not.”

Photo by Venezia McHenry | The Miami Student

The rally was greeted by cars and students passing by, some of whom showed their support.

Ian Larson, a speech pathology and audiology graduate student, has attended several protests before and said he strongly believes in Stand Up for Science’s cause.

“Science gives us a more reasonable, ethical foundation for how to do things,” Larson said. “It gives us vaccines and improves public health, safety and lifespan, as well.”

Around 100 protestors lined the sidewalk in front of the park and cheered while cars drove by and honked. Even young children were present, holding signs and jumping up and down as they received honks of support from the Oxford community.

Natalie Arwine, a first-year environmental earth science major, stood among the protestors.

“I came because I think science shouldn’t mix with your political beliefs,” Arwine said. “Trying to take your controversial beliefs out on science is not a good thing at all.”

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At 2 p.m., the protesters gathered around Bailer as he gave a short speech about the Stand Up for Science movement and said that it is important to fight for your beliefs in times of confusion and change.

Members of the crowd stepped forward and called on people to take action and engage with the government by calling or sending letters to representatives and voting out politicians who do not properly represent the people.

Bailer finished the rally by thanking all the people who supported the Stand Up for Science movement.

He said he hoped that after the rally, people would see that others share their concerns and that it will spark hope in those feeling depressed amid a changing world.

“Part of addressing the confusion is responding and acting – not reacting, but acting,” Bailer said. “I want to be part of the voices that are strong proponents for the value and importance of this endeavor.”

mchenrvg@miamioh.edu