On Saturday, thousands of marchers stood up for science worldwide. The goal of the march was to humanize science, pair with the public, support scientists and advocate for open, inclusive and accessible science for all.

Too often science is dismissed as opinion instead of fact. By creating awareness for the truth behind science, we are better able to defend our planet in the future. Science deserves a role in public policy because it affects so many people in such a substantial way.

For example, scientifically proven global warming has been dismissed as untrue and nonexistent by public officials. Informative websites have been shut down. Funding for environmental protection has been cut. Although it may be hard for us to understand how global warming could possibly exist when it is -40 in North Dakota, it is important to be informed and aware of the changes we could be making.

Science deserves a place in public policy because it sparks creativity, a need for discovery and a craving for exploration. Pairing the public with scientists will help to better shape and change the community for the better. Discovery is what keeps humans alive. Ignoring a problem will not make it go away. Science reveals new and intriguing discoveries every day.

The current public policy has driven us to search for an alternate livable planet instead of fighting for the life of the one we occupy. Science instead of silence is a stance for our future on this planet.

It is a fight for the right to ask questions and find answers. The right to scientific knowledge and informative facts is a public right. The March for Science shows the public cares about the future of this planet and intend on continuing to push for new discoveries to better our lives.