Scientists and Supporters Will "Stand Up for Science" on March 7, 2025

Meteorology Matters looks into the "Stand Up for Science" rallies scheduled to take place nationwide on Friday, March 7, 2025. These rallies are a direct response to recent actions by President Donald Trump's administration, including significant budget cuts and mass firings within federally supported scientific agencies. Organized by researchers, the "Stand Up for Science" movement aims to defend science as a crucial pillar of public benefit, urge policymakers to protect scientific integrity and funding, and emphasize the non-partisan nature of scientific progress. The movement draws inspiration from the 2017 March for Science but is characterized by a more focused vision and policy demands.

Main Themes and Important Ideas:

1. Response to Perceived Threats to Science:

• The primary driver behind the "Stand Up for Science" rallies is a perceived threat to the scientific enterprise in the United States stemming from the actions of President Donald Trump's administration.
• Sources highlight funding cuts and mass firings across key federal scientific agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• "The rallies come in response to the actions of President Donald Trump, which has resulted in funding cuts and mass firings across federally supported scientific agencies." (The Dai)
• "Within weeks of the presidential inauguration, Mr. Trump has already reshaped much of the federal scientific enterprise, which funds a significant chunk of academic research." (The New York Times)
• Concerns extend to the termination of funding for global health programs, firing of disease screeners, gutting of climate policy, and attempts to suspend funding for nuclear protection. (The New York Times)
• The administration's review of grants mentioning terms related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI) is also a significant concern.
• "'Woman' and ‘female’ were on that list,' she said. ‘They were my words. I’m a woman. I’m female.'" (referring to DEI-related terms under review by the NSF - The New York Times)

2. Goals and Objectives of the "Stand Up for Science" Movement:

• The overarching goal is to defend science as a public good and ensure its benefits continue to serve everyone.
• "On Friday, March 7, multiple “Stand Up for Science” protests nationwide will spring up to defend science as a pillar of social benefit..." (The Dai, The Dai - Repetition likely due to duplicate source)
• "Stand Up for Science is an organization working to defend science as a public good and pillar of social, political and economic progress..." (What is a Stand Up for Science 2025 rally?)
• Specific policy demands include: