On April 22, America’s 47th Earth Day, thousands of science enthusiasts and environmentalists gathered to march and encourage the use of the scientific method using evidence to support decision making. Protesters directed their grievances toward the federal government, which has perpetuated “alternative facts,” including the claim that global warming is a hoax created for and by the Chinese. The marches, advocating for “science, not silence,” took place all over the country. Ledyard High School’s own Scott Woodruff attended the march in Niantic and told The Colonel what the experience was like.

Q: Where did you hear about the march and how did you get involved?

A: I heard about the marches through news on the internet. My wife researched the cause and purchased shirts to support it and found the march in Niantic, CT.

Q: Describe the events of the day.

A: We met on the boardwalk in Niantic and started the march together. As we marched along the boardwalk, we stopped to listen to five different speakers for the “Teach-in” part of the march. The speakers were scientists or people who work in fields that depend on science.

Q: What was the goal of the march?

A: The goal was to raise public awareness and involvement about the importance of science in people’s lives and to send a message to government officials that certain policies should be based on genuine science, not pseudo-science or opinion.

Q: Do you think it was a success? Why or why not?

A: The fact that a bunch of mostly introverted people came out of their labs and offices to march certainly says something. There is great concern in the scientific community that science is being disregarded or censored. If this were to spread, all of our lives will be negatively impacted. As far as the march being a success….if raising awareness is the goal, then yes it was successful. Whether this changes the minds [of] the science deniers, well that remains to be seen.

Q: What were some of the most memorable signs?

A: My favorite signs: my wife’s sign “Alternate facts are the square root of -1″  (see picture below). What did you expect from a math teacher? My personal favorite with a touch of chemistry: “O Mg, I Can’t Believe We Have to March for Science!”

Rachel Kane, Staff Writer

Junior Rachel Kane is a staff writer for the 2016-2017 Colonel. Aside from playing varsity soccer and tennis, she is also the secretary of Tri-M and dances outside of school.