Posted on 6 December 2019 by Guest Author

This is a repost of the December 3rd entry in the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund  blog, by CSLDF Executive Director Lauren Kurtz.

The Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) and American Geophysical Union (AGU) want to help scientists understand their legal rights and responsibilities—we believe this knowledge is an essential part of every researcher’s professional development. So we’ve partnered on the “Legal Education for Scientists Program” for eight years, and are offering a range of events at the 2019 AGU Fall Meeting in December.

Among this year’s events are two workshops featuring experts from CSLDF, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Whether you’re actively involved in science activism or curious about how science is faring under the current administration, we encourage you to participate in these activities and increase your legal knowledge.

Free Legal Advice for Scientists

CSLDF attorneys are providing free, confidential meetings to scientists from all disciplines who have legal questions about their work. Appointments are available in 30-minute slots from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Monday, December 9 through Thursday, December 12, in Moscone North 112 LLN (Lobby Level North). Email lawyer@csldf.org to make an appointment. We encourage you to book in advance, but walk-ins are welcome.

Know Your Rights: Tools for Advocacy and Activism

CSLDF and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are hosting a workshop, Know Your Rights: Scientific Advocacy & Activism. We’ll discuss the legal rights and restrictions that pertain to U.S. scientists who want to be involved in the policymaking process, participate in a demonstration or other forms of activism, become involved with a political event or campaign, or share their research findings in ways that inform public policy. Light snacks will be provided. Monday, December 9 from 4:30–5:30 pm. in the Sharing Science Room (Moscone West 2001A L2 – Level 2).

Scientific Integrity Policies and How to Use Them

In this workshop, CSLDF attorneys and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) will talk about what scientists should know when faced with a potential scientific integrity issue. We’ll cover what’s considered a violation of scientific integrity, how to file a complaint under institutional scientific integrity policies, potential pitfalls when filing a complaint, and other relevant legal issues such as the application of whistleblower protections. A light lunch will be provided. Thursday, December 12 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in the Sharing Science Room (Moscone West 2001A Level 2).

How Science is Being Silenced in the United States

CSLDF staff will talk about the data in the Silencing Science Tracker and how governments are attempting to censor and misrepresent science in session PA33B-03: Transparency, Censorship, -and Harassment in Government Science. Wednesday, December 11 from 2:10–2:25 p.m. in Moscone South 301–302 (Level 3).

You can also stop by Booth 330 in the Exhibit Hall to say hello and collect our free educational resources, stickers, and more.

Learn More About Our Work

CSLDF protects the scientific endeavor by providing free legal aid and educational resources to scientists who are threatened, harassed, or attacked for doing their job. Follow us on Twitter — @ClimSciDefense — to learn more and find out how you can help us protect academic freedom and scientific integrity.