Nearly 300 stood in the blustery cold in front of the capitol in Frankfort Friday to hear doctors and scientists lead them in chants like “Science not silence,” “Science saves lives,” and “Who is science for? — Everyone.”
The rally was part of more than 30 Stand Up For Science gatherings across the country objecting to funding cuts, staff reductions, and communications restrictions hindering research and other medical and scientific work.
Chants during the rally
Speakers told the gathering that the National Institutes Of Health have issued no research funding since Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, threatening research into areas like cancer, opioid addiction, and vaccines.
Several speakers pointed that out every dollar spent on scientific research puts two-and-a-half dollars back into the economy. They urged the crowd, “Scientists don’t give up. We will not give up on science.”
Others laid out direct-action steps to take.
Terrell Holder, chair of the Greater Louisville Group of the Kentucky Sierra Club, called for contacting Kentucky legislators to oppose Senate Bill 89, which he said would weaken protections for groundwater.
Cindy Corbett, with the “Together We Will: Louisville” Facebook page, offered a step-by-step guide for “how to call your legislator even if you’re an introvert.” She emphasized the capital phones are answered by pleasant, helpful people who guide the caller through getting a message delivered.
Dr. Trent Garrison with the Kentucky Academy of Science said joining and supporting that group’s mission would be a way to help scientific collaboration, research, and education.
After the planned speakers, rally attendees were invited to the lectern and some 20 men, women, and even children came to the microphone to tell their story about how science had changed, saved, and even created their life through vaccines, treatments, in vitro fertilization, and other scientific advances.
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