A rally is planned in Niles for next Saturday to send a message of support to scientists, teachers, and healthcare workers.

Organizers say the Stand Up for Science Rally will be held in conjunction with a major event planned in Washington, D.C. and smaller events planned in communities across the country. Naomi Ludman is the organizer of the Niles rally. She tells us with misinformation now going mainstream, she wants to send a reminder to everyone.

“We want to remind people that while there’s this sort of climate right now to distrust science, to do away with medical trials, clinical trials on all kinds of research, there’s anti-vaxxing promotions across the United States,” Ludman said. “So this is an effort for us as everyday citizens to say we recognize the role of science in our lives and we want to stand up for science.”

The March 7 Day of Action will emphasize the importance of research funding, scientific integrity, and evidence-based decision-making at all levels of government.

Everyone’s invited to take part in the rally and to bring along signs sharing personal messages about how science has directly impacted their lives, whether through medical treatment, technology, environmental protections, or education.

The event will take place on the Main Street Bridge in Niles at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Ludman notes that’s a significant location because it leads directly to Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in Niles, underscoring the role science plays in medicine, public health, and everyday life.