Leading plant scientist says he’s skipping Science March on Washington: Here’s why

Kevin Folta | Huffington Post | February 1, 2017

[Editor’s note: Kevin Folta, a molecular biologist and chairman of the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida, offers advice to fellow scientists considering a march for science in Washington D.C.]

Recent Presidential mandates drew quite a reaction from the scientific community, some appropriate, but some overstepped. That’s a major problem.

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Everyone [is]…calling for a Science March on Washington, a chance to show solidarity among those that value the scientific method and embrace the truths that science gives us…Not me. The best way I can support science and scientists it to create durable work and actively create the change I want to see….

Rather than coming off as whining complainers for 20 seconds on Fox News, let’s be the proactive teachers we are, and then use social media networks to tell the world about what proactive teachers we are.

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Again, it is nice to see a little rage bubbling from within the lab coat…The challenge now is to channel the energy properly. At this point, we need to be sure that our efforts are appropriate and consistent with the evidence. Then let’s avoid knee-jerk reactions and implement effective and visible means to protest, flooding social media with overwhelming acts of good.

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[W]e’ve lived in the midst of science denial for a long time and are poised to fight back…Let’s not jump the gun and look bad doing it. Rather than simply creating a stir, let’s invest that energy and create change.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Scientists: Be Effective with Your Rage