Thousands Attend Demonstration in Support of Science

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Police say at least 10,000 Minnesotans marched in St. Paul to show their support for science.

Demonstrators marched from the Cathedral of St. Paul to a rally at the state Capitol, chanting and singing along the route. It was one of around a dozen marches planned across Minnesota, including in Bemidji, Alexandria, New Ulm and Grand Marais.

The Star Tribune reports that University of Minnesota climatologist Mark Seeley kicked off the rally with a speech urging stewardship for the environment and decrying attempts to mock or marginalize science.

Dr. Alan Lifson, an epidemiologist at the university, told the crowd that false narratives about science increasingly endanger public health, citing a recent measles outbreak among children in Minnesota's Somali community, where immunization rates are low due to fears about vaccines.

A similar demonstration was held in downtown Rochester on Saturday and attracted hundred of people.