On a chilly and gusty morning, hundreds of science supporters gathered to advocate for the use of science and evidence-based decision making for policy making. The event was sponsored by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and coordinated by native San Antonio residents who are dedicated to the cause, including teachers, artists, lobbyists, and lawyers.

Tables from different scientific groups provided attendees with information about the various organizations present and demonstrations of specimen represented in different fields of scientific research. After a brief introduction by the organization leader, our mayor, Ron Nirenberg, was invited on stage for the opening remarks. In his remarks, the mayor explained why science is important and supported the movement with his participation in the march.

“Science not Silence!” The chants echoed through the megaphone as marchers carried picket signs while they paraded down to Woodlawn Lark Park from Jefferson High School. Hundreds of supports walked the two and half mile path to show their stance on science and to call for a change in public policy.

After the march itself, SACNAS’s own Drs. Rodolfo Jimenez Jr., Marina Suarez, and UT Health San Antonio alum Stephanie Perez provided us with wonderful personal stories and motivations for the pursuit of science, as well as promoting diversity in STEM.

Several of the members of UT Health San Antonio SACNAS chapter and the Women in Science Development Outreach and Mentoring student club participated in the event.

The SACNAS chapter served to promote the SACNAS National Conference that is being held in San Antonio on October 13^th, 2018. They also accommodated the SACNAS speakers and volunteers request to participate in “Ask me about my science.” “Ask me about my science” is an opportunity for San Antonio residents to learn the scientific happenings going on in their city directly from the scientists and researchers.

Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, many were able to attend. This, however, did not discourage supporters of science to attend the march as they understand the importance of science in their daily lives and therefore feel it is important to have their voices heard and stand up for change. So be sure to join us next year in making March for Science San Antonio an even better event as we proudly march forward towards positive change in scientific policy.

If you were not able to attend, you can visit marchforsciencesa.com for March for Science merchandise and fiesta medals. There, you can also find more information about the keynote speakers and photos of the event.