Numerous groups and individuals have proposed for a "March for Science" after seeing the success of various Women Marches held worldwide in support of women rights and other such causes.
Many Scientists and Researchers are dealing with many "anti-science" moves in the US such as minimizing, discrediting or silencing the achievements and works of scientists.As a result,a proposed March for Science would be happening in the very first week of Donald Trump assuming the President's office.
The idea was first reported in Washington Post which then immediately went viral. The march has a Facebook page which saw an exponential rise of members from 200 to over 150000 in a short period of time.
As per QZ, the organizers would be releasing the date for the event by January 30. According to the organizers, 10 people are working round the clock, 30 contributing whenever they could and over 9000 have volunteered to help out.
According to the organizers, the motivation for such a march lies in the fact that scientists are clearly alarmed by the anti-science actions taken by Trump administration. Within a week, the government have frozen funds and have restricted scientists from publishing any findings to the public. In many ways, it is protesting against any efforts to deny scientific progress.
The "March for Science" event is open to "anyone who believes in empirical science" as per the organizers and not just scientists alone. Meanwhile, in social media some were quick to point out the name of the protest was insufficiently inclusive.some have proposed alternative names such as"The March for Science and Truth". However, a name change is less likely with the current name being a hit among many worldwide.
The March for Science is scheduled to happen in Washington DC and perhaps then across the United States of America. The protest march could be one of the firsts when it comes to taking a stand for science in politics. Plus, the idea of standing up for science has become widely embraced on social media across the world.