The article by Morton Tavel and Sheila Suess Kennedy discusses ongoing efforts to undermine scientific integrity in the U.S., particularly under the current administration. It highlights a historical context, referencing anti-science movements dating back to Darwin’s time and the Scopes trial, where teaching evolution faced legal challenges. The authors point out that, despite a general belief in the importance of scientific methods, anti-science attitudes persist, with a concerning number of high school science teachers promoting creationism or intelligent design rather than evolution.
Currently, the administration is accused of disregarding scientific evidence, with significant budget cuts to key research institutions like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rationale for these budget cuts is often framed as cost-saving or efficiency, but this has led to the elimination of critical studies and staff, undermining public health and safety. Economists argue that investments in research yield substantial economic returns, but the administration’s actions threaten this potential.
Additionally, the article notes a troubling trend where only research that aligns with administrative views is deemed legitimate. This includes a refusal to fund studies aimed at combatting misinformation and disinformation, with officials claiming such efforts might infringe on free speech. The article culminates in a critique of the administration’s manipulation of scientific narratives, exemplified by accusations against CDC advisors and a shift in messaging about COVID-19’s origins.
The authors express concern that the current anti-science climate reflects a broader rejection of objective reality, suggesting that many historical figures in science would be critical of this shift. Tavel is a Clinical Professor Emeritus at Indiana University School of Medicine, while Kennedy serves as a Law and Public Policy Professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
