The attacks on science, data, and science-based policies began almost immediately after President Trump took office. The new administration disrupted public health communication, dismantled science advisory boards, and erased environmental justice data. However, the science community quickly mobilized to resist these attacks. One such initiative is the Declaration to Defend Research Against U.S. Government Censorship.
Co-authored by Lisa Schiff, Alice Meadows, Catherine Mitchell, Sara Rouhi, and Peter Suber, the Declaration has garnered over 4,000 signatures from scholars, researchers, and experts, along with support from over 100 organizations. Dr. Lisa Schiff, Associate Director at the California Digital Library, emphasized the importance of academic inquiry, access to publications and data, transparency, and collaboration in the face of government interference with science.
The Declaration aims to raise awareness of censorship, build resistance against it, and pressure elected officials to intervene. It calls on individuals to support instances of resistance, promote scholarly sharing platforms, participate in tracking censorship instances, and spread the Declaration widely.
The Trump administration’s censorship tactics range from banning specific words at agencies like the CDC to defunding research in areas they oppose. This censorship stifles research, distorts outcomes, and suppresses information critical to public health and well-being.
The academic and science publishing community has responded with mixed reactions. While some organizations and faculty have taken a stand against censorship, higher education leadership has largely remained silent. Calls for more public action and solidarity from academic institutions have been made to counter the administration’s censorship efforts.
To safeguard the right to free speech, publish research findings, and ensure access to scientific information, the scholarly community must issue clear statements against censorship, make publications available in repositories outside the U.S., and engage with the public to highlight the importance of research. Long-term changes include fostering stronger connections between academia and the general public and holding institutional leaders accountable to their values and missions.
In conclusion, resistance against censorship requires collective action from individuals and organizations. By signing the Declaration, submitting testimonials, and engaging with elected officials, the academic community can work towards halting and rolling back the Trump administration’s censorship efforts.
