Indivisible hosting public meeting on science, education
Dr. Laura King Sirot
One of the area chapters of Indivisible will hold a public meeting on April 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Medina County Public Library, meeting rooms A and B. Anyone concerned with current issues related to science and education, both in Ohio and nationally, is invited to attend.
Indivisible facilitates advocacy with Ohio’s District 7 U.S. Rep. Max Miller. District 7 includes all of Wayne and Medina counties, a portion of Northern Holmes County, and portions of Cuyahoga County.
There will be two speakers and a Q-and-A.
Dr. Laura King Sirot is a professor and co-chair of biology at The College of Wooster and a Wooster resident. She will discuss the impact of the current administration’s policies on scientific research.
“Folks might think that these policies are not impacting Wayne County, but they are,” Sirot said. “These policies have resulted in the firing of scientists at the USDA in Wooster and the canceling of grants at The College of Wooster.”
She said everyone will experience scientific setbacks indirectly from the withdrawal and cancellation of funding in areas including infectious diseases, pest control issues arising from climate change, increasing wildfires, and environmental fields such as clean water and air.
Sirot will discuss other issues relating to current policies and their impacts. Takeaways from Sirot’s discussion will include ways to increase scientific literacy and support local scientists.
“One of my professional goals is to build understanding of and trust in science,” Sirot said. “Now is the time to speak out in support of science.”
Dr. Christina Collins, executive director of honesty for Ohio Education, will discuss the impacts of the current administration on kindergarten through 12th grade and advanced education in Ohio.
“We will be discussing current issues facing our education system including federal executive orders; diversity, equity and inclusion; school funding and vouchers and more,” Collins said.
Collins said everyone in Ohio is impacted by what is occurring in education.
“Much has happened since the beginning of 2025,” she said. “These and more issues have created a complicated educational landscape the last couple of months. (Those attending will) become more informed on these issues and learn how to take steps to protect our public education system.”
Mosie Welch is a co-founder of the sponsoring group. She said it is a grassroots organization working with other local and state groups to provide resources and information to members so they may educate themselves and take action on issues that are of concern to them at the local, state and national levels.
“We let our members know how to contact their representatives, help them set up meetings and effectively communicate with Rep. Max Miller and their other legislators, and provide tools on how to testify at the state level on the bills that concern them or that they support,” she said.
Parking is available at the library and on the streets nearby. The library is handicapped accessible. All participants will be asked to sign in with their name, email and phone number.
For questions regarding the upcoming meeting or to request to be added to the mailing list, email medinacountyindivisible@gmail.com.