political action

On March 7, 2025, hundreds of scientists, researchers, and community members rallied at Federal Plaza in Chicago to protest threats to federally funded research under the Trump administration. Organized as part of a nationwide and global mobilization, attendees called for the protection of grants, diversity in STEM, and respect for science as a public good. Speakers included university faculty, graduate students, and displaced federal researchers, sharing personal stories of lost funding and canceled projects. Despite chilly weather, the crowd’s energy remained high, with chants like “Out of the lab, into the streets” demanding policymakers listen up. The rally affirmed that Chicago stands firm: science matters, and evidence-based policies are non-negotiable.