On March 7, 2025, Oklahomans gathered at the State Capitol to advocate for science research in response to significant funding cuts by the Trump administration.
This event was part of the nationwide “Stand Up for Science 2025” movement, which saw similar rallies across the United States and France.
The National Movement: Stand Up for Science 2025
The “Stand Up for Science 2025” initiative emerged from concerns within the scientific and medical communities about policy changes during the early days of President Trump’s second term.
Key issues included the termination of grants related to transgender research and diversity initiatives at the National Institutes of Health, the review of thousands of National Science Foundation grants containing keywords such as “women” and “diversity,” .
The dismissal of hundreds of probationary employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), and the United States’ withdrawal from several climate initiatives.
The central event took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., with approximately 2,000 participants. Parallel demonstrations occurred in over 30 U.S. cities, with international solidarity events reported in several countries, including more than 30 locations in France.
The Oklahoma Rally: A Unified Stand for Science
In Oklahoma, more than 150 individuals gathered simultaneously outside the State Capitol and the National Weather Center in Norman.
These rallies were organized to protest the deep budget cuts to federal science research and the subsequent layoffs affecting the scientific community.
Voices from the Rally
Several notable figures addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of supporting science research:
- Representative Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman): He urged attendees to channel their frustration into action, stating, “My first message is to get angry.”
- Representative Andy Fugate (D-Del City): He highlighted the fundamental role of science in society, proclaiming, “Science matters. Let’s just start with that.”
- Benjamin Miller: As the program chair for the Aging & Metabolism Research Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Miller expressed concerns about the impact of funding cuts on ongoing research projects and the potential loss of scientific talent.
Personal Stories Highlighting the Impact
The rally also featured personal stories that underscored the real-world consequences of the funding cuts:
- Nicole Giuliano: She voiced concerns about the potential job losses within the weather service, emphasizing Oklahoma’s vulnerability to severe weather and the critical role of accurate forecasting.
- Rob Ramer and Deborah McLaren: They attended the rally to advocate for medical research funding, sharing the story of their seven-year-old granddaughter diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease. They emphasized that scientific research offers hope for treatments and potential cures.
The Broader Implications of Funding Cuts
The funding cuts have far-reaching implications for various sectors:
Weather Research and Public Safety
Oklahoma’s susceptibility to severe weather events makes accurate forecasting essential. The layoffs at NOAA and NWS not only threaten the livelihoods of dedicated scientists but also jeopardize public safety due to potential gaps in weather prediction capabilities.
Medical Research and Patient Care
The cessation of grants related to diversity and specific health conditions hampers advancements in medical research. Patients with rare diseases, like the mitochondrial disease mentioned by Ramer and McLaren, rely on continued research for hope and improved quality of life.
Academic Freedom and Scientific Integrity
The administration’s directive to omit certain terms from grant applications, such as “minority,” “women,” “exclusion,” “gender,” and “ethnicity,” raises concerns about academic freedom and scientific integrity.
Such censorship can stifle innovation and limit the scope of research addressing critical societal issues.
The Oklahoma rally, as part of the broader “Stand Up for Science 2025” movement, underscores the critical need to support and fund scientific research.
The testimonies from affected individuals and the unified stance of the community highlight the profound impact of these funding cuts on public safety, medical advancements, and the integrity of scientific inquiry.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, it becomes imperative to recognize and uphold the invaluable role of science in fostering a safe, healthy, and informed society.