On the eve of Seattle’s March for Science, faculty from around the UW’s College of the Environment are sharing their perspectives — as scientists and citizens of the world — on the event and whether they’ll participate. The demonstration is being referred to by national organizers as a “celebration of science” that aims to highlight the role science plays in our lives and the need to respect and encourage scientific research. A series of rallies and marches will be held in Washington, D.C. and over 500 cities across the world — including Seattle — on April 22, 2017. Here’s what scientists from UW Environment are saying to local and national media outlets about this large-scale call to action:

Why tens of thousands could turn out Saturday for Seattle’s March for Science

April 20, 2017

“If the message is: Look, we’re a bunch of people, just like you, who happen to do science — I think that would be a great thing. Science is just a way of learning about the world.” —Tim Essington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

Read more on The Seattle Times»

Nicole Baker is a UW research scientist who has never marched before. She will participate in the March for Science on April 22.
DAVID HYDE / KUOW PHOTOS
Nicole Baker is a UW research scientist who has never marched before. She will participate in the March for Science on April 22.

Reasons to march for science in Seattle. Or not.

April 17, 2017

“It’s not a partisan issue. If there was a Democratic president who was doing the same things, I would feel the same way about marching.” —Nicole Baker, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

Read more at KUOW»

The March for Science: Why Some Are Going, and Some Will Sit Out

April 17, 2017

“I think our time would be better spent if we all took a science skeptic out for a cup of coffee to demonstrate that we’re not all that bad.” —Caitlin E. Littlefield, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences

Read more at The New York Times»

Why the global March for Science is already a success

April 19, 2017

“We are a driving force across the entire planet for health and safety and reducing costs and reducing risk.” —Sarah Myhre, School of Oceanography

Read more at The Guardian»

Tyler Valentine
UW
Tyler Valentine

Why science is so white, and why it needs to change

April 25, 2017

“Now, all of you have come out today because you believe, as do I, that scientific and technologic progress is the hallmark of modern society, and that it must continue to advance and evolve. However, for that advancement and evolution to occur, the narrative needs to change. The struggles I have described are not limited to people of color but are experienced by immigrants, transgender and queer folk, as well as women. I urge each of you to return to your school, your lab, or your workplace and change the way you and those around you think about scientists and engineers. The era of the cis, hetero, white, male scientist is over. It is time for all of us to make a conscious effort to be inclusive of people from all backgrounds.” —Tyler Valentine, Department of Earth and Space Sciences

Read more on Crosscut»

As Marches Approach, Science Advocates Warn Universities to Prepare for Backlash

April 3, 2017

“What you’ve got to do is stop right now and assess where your weaknesses and vulnerabilities are in terms of being able to respond. and to fund the resources to be able to have experts working with you.” —Lisa J. Graumlich, Dean of the College of the Environment

Read more at The Chronicle of Higher Education»

“I want to make sure that science is used to find common ground on contentious issues like climate change,” LuAnne Thompson said.
Matt Mills McKnight/Cascade Public Media
“I want to make sure that science is used to find common ground on contentious issues like climate change,” LuAnne Thompson said.

How Seattle’s March for Science came to be

April 21, 2017

“It’s very dangerous to mix politics and science. Protest movements aren’t going to contribute anything at this point.” —Cliff Mass, Department of Atmospheric Sciences

“We’re all a part of this political society and to say we’re separate from it is a little naïve. The denial of our role in political discourse and decision-making is dangerous.” —LuAnne Thompson, School of Oceanography and the Program on Climate Change

“People ask me, when did science become political? I respond by saying, when did it become political to be a woman? I’m marching in defense of science but I’m also doing it to stand up for all the people that are a part of science who have been directly attacked by this administration. People of color, women, immigrants, refugees, people that are coming here to our country to participate in the scientific process. Those people are my colleagues.” —Sarah Myhre, School of Oceanography

Read more on Crosscut»

Why I’m Marching for Science in Seattle (despite the risk)

April 21, 2017

“There’s an individual risk to scientists in terms of being labeled an advocate — someone who’s pushing for a particular policy point. And that’s where I think being clear that you’re arguing as an individual and a well-informed individual citizen.” —Dave Montgomery, Department of Earth and Space Sciences

Read more at KUOW»