More than 100 scientists, researchers and their supporters showed up for the Stand Up for Science rally outside the state Capitol on Friday afternoon.
The protesters were there to speak up for the importance of science and against federal funding cuts made by the Trump administration and spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. The event was part of a national day of action in more than 30 U.S. cities, including Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles.
“Who is science for? EVERYONE!” rallygoers shouted.
People at the Atlanta event spoke about the importance of vaccines, scientific research, and funding for organizations facing cuts, including the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Holly Williams worked at the CDC for 20 years. She said she’s hearing through her contacts that the chaos is affecting remaining researchers.
“People cannot do their work,” Williams said. “People get fired. They get rehired, other people get fired. Center directors do not even know how many people are fired because DOGE isn’t telling them.”
Protesters speak out against federal funding cuts affecting workers as part of a national day of action.
Meteorologist John Knox said funding cuts to NOAA will affect private industries, from agriculture to clothing to your favorite weather app.
“Without NOAA and the information that’s gathered and the model output, those private sector firms are going to have to go to the groundhog to ask for forecasts,” Knox said.
Speakers at the rally also included state Reps. Jasmine Clark and Jason Esteves along with college faculty members from Georgia Tech and Emory University.
This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News
