Wednesday, April 12, 2017
By:Brad R.Conrad
On April 10, the Society of Physics Students’ (SPS) National Council voted to adopt the statement below in support of the March for Science. The March is an excellent opportunity to educate the public, and each other, about the value of science education locally and nationally. The event supports “science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity,” and SPS is proud to support this message. We hope that you engage and make a difference in your school, city, and community.
Official Society of Physics Student statement:
As a scientific society, the Society of Physics Students (SPS) is committed to a mission of advancing, promoting, and serving the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity and transforming students into contributing members of their respective professional communities. As such, the SPS National Council is pleased to share our support for the ideals of the upcoming March for Science to be held on April 22, 2017 in Washington, DC and more than 400 other locations around the globe.
The March is being organized around the following six core principles:
- Science that serves the common good
- Evidence-based policy and regulations in the public interest
- Cutting-edge science education
- Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
- Open, honest science and inclusive public outreach
- Funding for scientific research and its applications
These principles align with the guiding values we seek to cultivate in our members and chapters. We encourage our members to take advantage of this occasion to show their support and passion for science and demonstrate civic agency in furthering these aims. In addition to participating in the March, this may include engaging in science education outreach in local communities and communicating with your state and federal representatives. If you are interested in deepening your engagement, we encourage you to connect with your chapter and zone leadership to develop other ideas and plan your involvement. Remember that SPS’s values include respecting diversity and inclusion in all its forms.
More information about American Institute of Physics’ (AIP) official stance on the March is available here.