Dear Science friends:
A coordinated effort across science & academia is appropriate in response to the fascist moves against science funding and DEIJ by the current administration.
It should be effective and broadly supported.
What are your ideas for action?
A coordinated effort across science & academia is appropriate in response to the fascist moves against science funding and DEIJ by the current administration.
It should be effective and broadly supported.
What are your ideas for action?
Comments
but anyways what are good ways to build alternative funding sources and to allocate for even high-priority maintenance stuff in your labs? to keep your grad students fed?
That said, there are tools to help groups figure out where to start a social movement.
That can identify targets for persuasion, which can suggest actions.
These are all general strategies, and would need to be better focused (perhaps through some activity like power mapping)
1. Plug into existing movements in our capacity as concerned citizens, using credentials for extra weight where useful. For example, I went to a trans rights rally the other day with a "Biologist Against Transphobia" sign.
3. Stronger version of 2 where we refuse to be forced and are prepared to strike/lose jobs
4. Just keep doing our jobs because even that is an act of resistance
I have spent the day of facebook making people aware of what is happening. It’s where I am and where I can start.
They are very organized and can give you tips.
They're on twitter @MateAcademia_IL
@shouval.bsky.social is part of this org and can probably help.
Unfortunately our systems arent designed any longer to support resistance. Soft money means we will also lose our jobs doing so.
I also think most people don't realize the silent majority is the largest component of the US. Big rallies and really outsized demonstrations of not having it are scary as hell for despots. Bullies don't like confrontation.
Our institution in particular has been pushing lots of admin on down to faculty and staff recently and that is part of the local dissatisfaction, for sure.
I participated in the #ScienceMarch in D.C. which was amazing, but we need something that will hit hard and build support from as many Americans as possible.
But also mlns of people already understand the value - so it could help to get their voices through normal politics channels.
We’d love to hear all of your ideas to crowd source an appropriate response.
2) Encourage state pols to develop shadow regulatory agencies, likely in coalition with states of similar values
3) 2028 General Strike
We need to tell our stories. Not our latest paper, but how science has changed our lives and why we love what we do.
- Members of trade unions (facilities, etc)
- Major biotech companies (Fisher, Illumina, Bruker)
- Philanthropic orgs
- companies that have hired our trainers
... And get them to put pressure alongside us
- Speak out about peer review. Nothing is more merit-based.
- Defend the best of DEI. Tell your stories or those of your trainees.