Indy’s Stand Up for Science Rally
The author is a Senior at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, and a Director for YEPT.
On Friday March 7, 2025, hundreds gathered outside of the Indiana Statehouse to show their frustration and dismay in President Donald J. Trump’s anti-science actions as he entered office. In this nationwide protest, called Stand Up for Science, citizens are fighting the recent budget cuts that fund scientific research. From scientists, to teachers, to students, they all gathered with one common interest: save science. Many held signs stating expressions such as “Science not Silence,” “Science Doesn’t Lie, Politicians Do,” and “Fund Facts, Not Felons.” Waving them in the air, showing them to not only everyone inside the Indiana Statehouse, but also to news media who were present, hoping to reach as many people as possible.
After shouting many chants, speakers were invited up one by one, and spoke out on the steps of the Statehouse, expressing themselves freely with many supporting them.
One speaker was from Earth Charter Indiana [parent organization for YEPT] named Isabel Reina. Her speech had a powerful ending, stating, “We need to take action and do everything we can to make this place safe for all children of nature out there. We get one chance to protect it. This is home. This is Earth.” Reina’s full text is printed below, but first, here are some photos by Lamia Mara Maggard.
Each speaker, translator, and organizer standing at the steps of the Statehouse looking out at attendees and receiving another round of applause.
State Senator Andrea Hunley, a former school Principal, ended her speech with a gesture demonstrating her determination to stand up for science.
Many had their fliers extended in the air; this person’s flier explained a scientific process. Along with this, the view is up to the Statehouse; above, you can see the bald eagle, a traditional representation of America.
Image of attendees just as the rally finished up.
Isabel Reina, speaking at the Stand Up for Science Rally on March 7.
Below is Isabel Reina’s speech, as she shared with YEPT.
Hello, thank you all for coming. My name is Isabel Reina. I was born and raised in Indiana and I am a student from University of Indianapolis where I am currently studying to get my B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. The environment has always been a passion of mine, whether it's hiking or gardening or anything of that type. Believe it or not, that is how I chose my career. With my degree, I want to enter the solar field and expand it in both power and accessibility. Solar is so important for both the environment and people. I want to be a part of that development.
But I depend on research. It is a big part of the reason to learn. How do I keep going with my class if we know nothing about it? It’s impossible. I live off of the research of both myself and others. And it's not just me. I have plenty of classmates who are involved in researching various components. How are we to develop, protect and improve if we don’t have advancement. Science isn't just for scientists. It's for all careers. Research helps us people. It brings to light mental health, human advancement, public health, renewable energy and every aspect of our lives from the products that we use to the food that we eat.
Recent advancements in solar technology have pushed the boundaries of efficiency, with modern panels now exceeding 20% conversion rates—some even surpassing 25%. But this progress is about more than just numbers… it's about our planet and securing a future for generations to come. The pursuit of solar energy isn’t just an environmental effort, it’s a commitment to human survival. Every breakthrough brings us closer to a world where clean, sustainable power isn’t a luxury, but a necessity making sure that our families, and the our future has a planet capable of sustaining life, hope, and prosperity.
People tend to have misinformation of the benefits of clean energy. That it “costs too much” or it “steals jobs.” But the truth is it's cheaper and it gives so many jobs out there. These are important. Climate Change is very real and we are falling deep into it and most people are scared of the truth. We need to stand up as a group and fight harder than we have ever fought before. As a student, some people tell me I'm “too young” or “influenced by the media around me.” And I always tell them no. I will never walk in somewhere and talk and defend without doing my research. I know what I speak and I speak facts. Our world is falling, our nature is disappearing. It's not just the USA, it's everywhere.
As somebody who comes from the Latino community and is a Hondureña-American I would be remiss to not talk about the proportion impact that hits lower income families and community of color. According to Pew Research, 56% of U.S. Hispanics live in areas that have experienced an extreme weather event within the last year. Take that in.
This world is filled with such beauty so who are we to take that beauty away? I get it. Its not happening around you, but take a look around the corner:
- California wildfire burned 57 thousand acres, caused 200,000 to evacuate, and killed more than two dozen people
- Puerto Rico lost homes to floods
- In the summer of 2023, Indiana got hit with dangerous smog from Canada
Things in nature are falling fast and hard. The world as we know it won’t be the same.
Last week, the Trump administration cut about 600 workers at NOAA and the National Weather Service. 600. Among those was a scientist who issues tsunami alerts and a researcher studying which communities will get flooded when a storm strikes. We are losing essential people for OUR safety and OUR lives. People Will die and people Will suffer with this. Why is that an option? Human death is not a toy to play with. This attack isn’t just cutting funds, this attack is cutting lives, safety, and adding suffering. I don’t say this to discourage you guys from thinking that the world we want isn’t possible, I say this to inform you guys. The better we understand the issues, the better we are equipped to help. I’m filled with such hope seeing you all here. It doesn’t matter how young you are or where you are in life, it is never too late to start protecting the world you live in.
We are beings of nature. The flowers grow, animals live and love and trees grow tall and give us life. We need to take action and do everything we can to make this place safe for all children of nature out there. We get one chance to protect it.
This is home. This is Earth.
