VTSU Students protesting against science cuts

Marching feet echoed down South Street, banners shining bright against an overcast sky.

Fifty voices rose in defiance, shouting “Defend, don’t defund!” as students, faculty and community members at Vermont State University Castleton marched on March 7 to protest cuts to federal science funding.

The rally, which began at noon, had fired up participants who marched from South Street up Alumni Drive, holding signs that read “Science Not Silence,” “Protect Science Like Science Protects Us” and “Castleton Stands up For Science.”

This rally was part of a national movement advocating for science funding, government transparency and the protection of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science.

Organizers aimed to draw attention to the critical role science plays in public health, environmental protection and technological innovation, warning that proposed budget cuts would have unimaginable consequences for research and education.

Before the march began, several speakers addressed the crowd, sharing the devastating impact of recent funding cuts. Andy Vermilyea, VTSU Castleton professor and chair of the Environmental Science program, warned listeners about the threats facing basic research and how funding uncertainty is already affecting students and faculty.

“It’s estimated that 40% of our basic research is federally funded, and that’s at risk right now,” Vermilyea said. “We’re already seeing research being defunded. Our NIH programs have no student funding for this summer for the first time in 30 years. This is real, and it’s affecting the future of science,” he added as the crowd gasped in shock.

Vermilyea explained that federal research grants are the foundation of many scientific advancements and that reducing funding to agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation threatens future discoveries. Without this investment in research, progress in medicine, environmental science and technological innovation could slow dramatically.

Mary Droege, biology laboratory and greenhouse manager and part-time faculty member, emphasized the widespread effects of these cuts and how they threaten not just academic institutions, but society as a whole.

“I saw that this rally was happening nationwide, and I felt it was important to take part,” Droege said. “Science underpins our modern society, from health and wellness to environmental sustainability. It’s scary to see the government deny climate science and defund crucial research. This is an onslaught, and we need to stand up,” Droege stressed.

She pointed to federal layoffs at agencies like the National Park Service and NOAA, which affect everything from weather forecasting to environmental conservation. She urged students to recognize their power in shaping policy, reminding them that change happens when people raise their voices and demand action.

Students, many of whom hope to build careers in science, also expressed deep concerns about how these cuts are already affecting them personally. Shterna Gorodn, a VTSU Castleton student, shared her personal experience.

“An internship I applied to for sustainability emailed me a week ago saying that because of the NSF freeze, they weren’t sure they could hire anyone,” Gorodn said. “This isn’t just affecting top scientists, it’s crushing students before they even have a chance to start their careers.”

The crowd went silent as her words began to sink in.

Freshman Andy Cole pointed to broader political motivations behind the attacks on science and education.

“Our vice president said that to take control of the country, they need to attack universities,” Cole said. “This is a deliberate and outward attack on academia, research, and informed decision-making. The way they stay in power is by keeping the masses uninformed.”

Nate Forgan, another VTSU Castleton student, stressed the importance of maintaining a science-based democracy, arguing that a well-informed public leads to more effective policy decisions and a better quality of life.

The protest wasn’t just about raising awareness in the Castleton community, it was a call to action. Speakers urged attendees to continue advocating for science by voting, calling representatives, and pushing for policy changes.

Charlotte Gerstein, a reference and instruction librarian at VTSU Castleton, spoke passionately about the need for public advocacy.

“Our tax dollars should benefit us, not be funneled into tax cuts for billionaires,” Gerstein said. “People took science funding for granted, but now we see what we’re losing. It’s outrageous, and we need to make our voices heard,” she said firmly.

She pointed out that many federal employees losing their jobs are veterans, further underscoring the unfairness of these cuts.

Droege also echoed the importance of collective action.

“Students have power,” she said. “Speak up. Write letters. Make phone calls. Vote. Change starts with us.”

As the march continued up Alumni Drive, the crowd’s energy remained strong. Signs waved, voices rose, and the message was clear, science is not a partisan issue, and its defunding is a direct threat to public well-being.

Brendon Lalor, a professor and program coordinator at VTSU Castleton, called the situation a “national emergency,” warning that ignoring these attacks on science would have severe consequences.

“If people don’t pay attention now, the damage may be unrecoverable,” Lalor said. “This is like a wrecking ball knocking over everything that matters. We have to fight back,” he said while shaking his head with concern.

As the rally ended, the participants remained committed to their cause. The fight for science funding, they emphasized, is far from over.

“This isn’t just about scientists,” Vermilyea reminded the crowd. “It’s about all of us. Science solves problems, and we need to fight for it.”