Thousands of Ohioans march for science in Columbus

By Sara Hollabaugh, Online Editor

Ohio Wesleyan students and Columbus residents alike spent their Earth Day marching for scienceβ€”not silence.

The march started at 11 a.m. on April 22 at the Columbus Statehouse.

Marchers went down High Street to the Columbus Commons for a celebration after.

According to the official March for Science website, their mission includes science as a β€œpillar of human freedom and prosperity.”

β€œWe unite as a diverse, nonpartisan group to call for science that upholds the common good, and for political leaders and policymakers to enact evidence-based policies in the public interest,” the mission stated.

After the event concluded, the March for Science Facebook page thanked everyone who participated, physically and in spirit.

β€œOur official crowd estimate is 5,600β€”almost double what we expected,” the Facebook site said. β€œYour support and enthusiasm were overwhelming.”

Senior Malloy McCorkle, a neuroscience and psychology double major with a minor in biology, went to the Columbus march with senior Dana Beach.

β€œ[We had] signs advocating for the protection and distribution of science,” McCorkle said. β€œWe stood alongside many other scientists, activists, and concerned citizens.”

After the march, McCorkle said the commons had organizations promoting science and health care, as well as food and music.

β€œThe event brought all scientists and activists together to demonstrate the importance of science-based public policy, scientific research and STEM education,” McCorkle said. β€œAll who attended the march were upset about recent attacks on scientific evidence and complete disregard for science by policymakers.”

McCorkle said as a scientist, she believes it is a necessity to have factual information about science provided to the public.

Senior Jackson Hotaling, a history and geography major, attended the march in Columbus and joined a small group in Delaware as well.

β€œ[The march had] impassioned marchers with signs and shouts [showing] Columbus that its citizens care about science,” Hotaling said. β€œAnd science is important.”

Hotaling added people marched for many different reasons.

β€œSome were scientists themselves, while others supported a wide array of NGOs, parks and small businesses,” Hotaling said. β€œI wanted to come because I believe that, environmentally, we are not taking the proper steps to make a better world for the future.

Hotaling said he was able to talk with many of these different people at the march.

β€œWe shared ideas and a beautiful day, and I left feeling optimistic about what is next,” Hotaling said.