Walking across Baseline on March 3rd, the air is uncharacteristically filled with cheers and car horns. Hands reach out of oncoming vehicles to offer fist pumps of celebration. Cardboard signs and banners are held high in the air by hundreds of people in a demonstration against the treatment of federal workers by the current United States administration.
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, his administration has begun a large-scale effort to reduce the number of government employees. Already, probationary employees (employees in a trial period) have been laid off, and many believe that the Trump administration will try to downsize further by firing long-time government workers.
The Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, have justified this by claiming that many of the workers being laid off are unnecessary. However, due to these layoffs, government agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will likely see a negative impact on climate science, weather forecasting, and research that leads to future technology ten or twenty years down the road.
David Skaggs, a former United States representative, believed that something needed to be done. In an email sent on February 26th, Skaggs asked people to mobilize outside of the NOAA and NIST campus on March 3rd, saying he was “deeply troubled by the largely lawless and undemocratic actions being taken by the Trump administration.” His email was then publicized through Reddit and other online sources.
At noon, over a thousand Boulder residents lined up on the grass in front of the NIST and NOAA campus, with signs reading “Science cannot be silenced,” and “Honor public servants.” Andrea Gomez Oxman, a member of the community, said “It was heartwarming to see so many people who care about the environment, about protecting our species, and showing support for the scientists who have dedicated their lives to research.”
For many, the layoff of climate scientists also emphasizes the federal government’s inaction towards climate change. “After the devastating fires in LA,” continues Gomez Oxman, “it is insulting that this administration does not see how valuable this research is.”
Also present at the demonstration was Tim Wirth, as former U.S. representative and senator. Wirth felt the demonstration was crucial because it was “pointing out the value of science…particularly in a world where the climate is getting worse and worse.”
In addition to protest, Wirth suggests that Boulder High Students and community members should write to their senators and legislators in order to make their voices heard.
The demonstration on March 3rd represents the ability of Americans to take action, even if government decisions are out of their control. By exercising their right to free speech, people can make a difference and encourage lawmakers to prioritize the well being of their communities. It’s also important to note that there is no age requirement for advocacy. Boulder High students, similar to adults in their community, can make change through their actions and words.
