March For Science: “If you’re not a scientist, talk to a scientist”

Stephanie Vesey understands she is not a scientist, in fact, she claims she “barely graduated high school.” Although her high school education ended nearly four decades ago, she is willing to stand up for the importance of scientific knowledge, so much so that she travelled from the Bronx all the way to Washington Square Park to support the spread of this message.

            “I understand that science is the most important thing that we have to save humanity and to save the planet. Whether we’re talking about climate, or disease control…this is the cure to everything. It needs funding, it needs support, it needs to be nurtured, encouraged, and not censored,” said 56-year old Vesey.

            On Saturday, Washington Square Park filled with protestors to participate in the second annual March for Science, an event which is focused on the importance of an informed democracy and the wide dissemination of scientific information. Although not explicitly against the current administration, the event had a political charge, particularly opposing the lack of science-based policy and the EPA rolling back regulations.   

A group of speakers, including NYU President Andrew Hamilton, scientists, teachers, and elected officials spoke under the Washington Square Arch to promote policy change and the funding of scientific research.

State Senator Brad Hoylman specifically called for more evidence-based policy change, and called for others to elevate public discourse based on fact not political position.

Teach-in stations and posters were set up to promote the importance of teaching science to kids and adults alike.  Overall, the tone of the event emphasized the need for support from everyone, not just scientists and policy-makers, but the general public and voters.

Hoylman railed against the idea that people should stay out of discourses on scientific topics because they are not scientists, telling the crowd “If you’re not a scientist, talk to a scientist.”

            “I always say that just because I can’t do the math doesn’t mean an airplane can’t fly. It does. People that can do the math will make it happen. These people need to be able to make things happen, and they need the support,” said Vesey.

            At noon, the crowd marched through the arch, and turned down Broadway chanting and waving their handmade signs, starting their two-mile trek downtown to Zucotti Park.

“I look around and look at the posters and I have no idea what they mean, but it’s ok that I don’t,” said Vesey. “It’s important that you gather large groups of people together… because it creates awareness to people like me, but also so that our elected officials see that this is important to people, and people care about this and it matters.”