Thousands ‘March for Science’ through streets of Santa Barbara

Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Santa Barbara Saturday afternoon as part of an international protest.

The “ March for Science ” is billed as a non-partisan protest to defend against President Trump’s proposed policies which supporters say are a direct attack on the scientific community.

The march began at De La Guerra Plaza with speeches from local community leaders including Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider and UCSB Professor Debora Iglesias-Rodgriguez.

Santa Barbara Police Department escorted the march through State Street to the dolphin statue at Stearns Wharf and then the final stop at the Earth Day Festival at Alameda Park.

The Santa Barbara March for Science was organized by two UCSB students. They have raised over $3,000 through crowd funding and t-shirt sales. Money not used in the planning of the march will be donated to a non-profit that supports scientific research.

The Santa Barbara march is one of hundreds of satellite marches throughout the world, with the largest march taking place in Washington D.C.