Rochester March for Science scheduled for Earth Day

Rochester is among more than 150 cities worldwide with March for Science rallies scheduled for Earth Day, April 22.

Though the grassroots organization behind the march wants to remain nonpartisan, the strength behind the movement is an obvious response to policies proposed by President Trump.

"Hopefully by participating in the March for Science, we can inform the public that science is relevant, important, and also in danger of being misused or even silenced by political partisanship and misinformation," said Dr. Joy Hughes, a surgeon organizing the Rochester march.

Hughes is concerned about an increase in the public's mistrust of science. If it continues to grow, she said, we risk slipping into the Dark Ages, rather than moving society forward.

"We want to preserve the integrity of scientific data and outcomes, and have policies that are based in fact," said Hughes. 

She added later, "We can’t take for granted that scientific integrity will be preserved if we don’t defend it."

The main march on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is expected to draw tens of thousands — possibly more. In Rochester, a Facebook group organizing the march has about 450 members.  

"Rochester is, at its core, a city built on science," said Hughes. "This city is a world-leader in scientific discoveries and for compassionate applications of scientific advances."

The march will take place April 22 at Peace Plaza.

Cover photo: Rally in Rochester on Jan. 29 / Aaron Kostko