STANDING UP FOR SCIENCE
Windsor group joins global march
More than 100 people in Windsor on Saturday staged their own local version of the March for Science — a global protest occurring in roughly 600 cities around the world.
“I thought it was important for us as a community to come together and have this event (in Windsor) because people in this city also need to be aware (of the importance of science),” said Allison Mistakidis, organizer of event who earned her master’s degree in biology.
“Science is essentially being ignored. We need to have a voice. This is our way of saying ‘listen to us’ because we know how the world works in terms of everyone’s wellbeing. Climate change and everything is impacted by our actions, so we need to stand up for what’s right.”
Those who participated in Windsor staged a rally at Assumption Park before marching along the riverfront. The group carried signs that read “Science Matters” and “Science for Peace and Development — not War and Empire.”
Mistakidis was inspired to launch a local science march in Windsor after participating herself in the women’s march held earlier this year in Washington, D.C.
“People are marching worldwide because they are standing up for science,” she said.
“It’s uncommon for scientists to come out and do this. I felt it was really important for us to be part of the global march.”
Among speakers prior to the march was William Baylis, president of Canada South Science City. “Scientists are upset,” he said. “We don’t go out and protest very often as scientists prefer to stay in their labs. Science is so important to the world and our future, but right now you have a number of people in public office who don’t seem to understand science.
“This is global today, but it’s important we show (in Windsor) that we support this movement. This is our way of presenting the truth. Scientific theories are wellestablished and peer-reviewed. But you have politicians that don’t believe in climate change or that vaccinations are safe.”
Local high school science teacher Enver Villamizar was among those participating in the march.
“In both Canada and U.S. the role of science is being challenged,” he said. “Scientists are being muzzled. Financial interests are being put ahead of the truth. It was important to come out today and not only show science is important, but the role of science is important.
“Windsor is part of the human race. This helps show people here also want the truth. They want evidence and to see science used for peace and knowledge.”
The global March for Science emerged in part following recent actions by U.S. President Donald Trump who has made several budget cuts to scientific research and is among those who have rejected climate change as being real.
Science is so important to the world and our future, but right now you have a number of people in public office who don’t seem to understand science.