Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 3d

This is an easy one, Jameson. JUST SAY NO.

"J. Larry Jameson said the school will evaluate a proposed compact from President Donald Trump’s administration based on the school’s values and mission...
freedom of inquiry and thought, free expression, non-discrimination" share.inquirer.com/jTf7PW

Penn ‘seeks no special consideration,’ president Jameson says in response to Trump proposal

Penn has until Oct. 20 to respond to the compact, which would give the Trump administration wide-ranging influence over core university operations including hiring, admissions and tuition setting.

share.inquirer.com

2 9

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 4d

"Each concession leaves institutions more entangled with the federal government and more vulnerable to future coercion. Resistance must be strong, early, and sustained, or the space for resistance will vanish."

Read our latest blog post by @dramandar.bsky.social

open.substack.com/pub/philadel...

Why Penn Must Reject Trump’s Higher Ed Compact

By Amanda Rabinowitz Ph.D.

open.substack.com

1 4 13

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 5d

Are you an alum from one of the 9 schools Trump just attacked? Defend your school now by signing this alumni petition to support your alma mater and campus communities across America. The future of higher education and our democracy is at stake. alumni.controlshift.app/petitions/tr...

Trump attacks 9 universities: Sign the alumni petition to defend your school now

Are you an alum from one of the 9 schools Trump just attacked? Defend your school now by signing this alumni petition to support your alma mater and campus communities across America. The future of hi...

alumni.controlshift.app

1 5

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 6d

“Penn’s Latin motto, Leges Sine Moribus Vanae, is usually translated to “Laws Without Morals are Useless.” It is time to put that principle into practice.””

aaup-penn.org/statement-by...

Statement by the AAUP-Penn Executive Committee on the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education | AAUP–Penn

October 2, 2025 We have received reports that Penn has been “invited” to sign a so-called “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” by the federal government, and that failing to do so wou...

aaup-penn.org

3 14

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · 5d

I’m here!

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 6d

We'll see you this evening at the PSA Social 🧪🍺!

📍 National Mechanics, 22 S 3rd St, 19106
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
🎉 10% off drinks

A flyer advertising Philly Science Action Social. Happy Hour for Philly's Science Community. Friday, Oct 3. 4:30-6PM National Mechanics. 22 S 3rd St #24, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Connect. Share. Build Community.

3

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · 7d

I’ll be there!

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 8d

This Friday! 🍻🔬

Join us at National Mechanics for a science happy hour!
📅 Friday, Oct 3
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
🎉 10% off drinks
🤝 Connect with Philly’s science community

Then head to the FREE First Friday poster session at the Science History Institute!
🔗 tinyurl.com/3z8sh4ax

3

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 9d

Come find @dramandar.bsky.social at Monday at McCormicks now!

We’re here to tell Senator McCormick to stand up against Trump and listen to the Pennsylvanias he represents!!

1 6

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 11d

“We don’t trust scientists because of the letters after their names or because they hold appointed positions. We trust them because they participate in a process designed precisely to minimize bias and political influence”

Read our latest blog from @dramandar

open.substack.com/pub/philadel...

The Attack on Scientific Consensus

By Amanda Rabinowitz Ph.D.

open.substack.com

2 8

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · 12d

Science is under attack—but our strength is in our connections with each other.

Join me at the Philly Science Action Social to connect with the Philly science community and build the power we need together.

Come for the drink discount, stay for the solidarity! 🍺💪

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 12d

🍻 Join us for the Philly Science Action Social!
📍 National Mechanics | 📅 Fri Oct 3 | ⏰ 4:30–6pm
10% off drinks + connect with Philly’s science community.

Then head to the FREE First Friday poster session at the Science History Institute!
🔗 www.sciencehistory.org/visit/events...

1 4

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 14d

PSA was honored to speak at the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good at Ursinus College.

@amandastherrien.bsky.social and @dramandar.bsky.social had an inspiring day speaking with and learning from students about the threats facing biomedical science—and what we can do to protect it.

Dr. Amanda Therrien speaks at a lectern in a lecture hall, presenting on the history of federal science funding in the United States.

Dr. Robert Dawley, Dr. Amanda Therrien, Dr. Amanda Rabinowitz, and Parlee Fellows Ashton Newswanger and Max Matalavage at the front of the lecture hall.

1 3 7

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · 25d

Instead of addressing the greatest risks to children’s health, the MAHA report leans on long-disproven conspiracy theories and undermines trust in science and medicine when kids need protection most.

Read the latest from @dramandar.bsky.social

open.substack.com/pub/philadel...

The MAHA Report is No Prescription for Childhood Health

By Amanda Rabinowitz Ph.D.

open.substack.com

1 1

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · Aug 3

“Our Ivy League–educated President and Vice President have made it their mission to cast universities as enemies of the state.”

Our latest blog post from @dramandar.bsky.social

open.substack.com/pub/philadel...

This Will Be Remembered as the Beginning of the End for US Higher Education

By Amanda Rabinowitz Ph.D.

open.substack.com

4 12 68

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · Jul 27

Black box antidepressant warnings designed to promote fear and hesitancy among expecting parents is just one step on a larger path toward undermining access to psychiatric medication more broadly.

Our latest blog by @dramandar.bsky.social

open.substack.com/pub/philadel...

Warning or Weapon?: What the FDA’s Shift on Antidepressants in Pregnancy Really Signals

By Amanda Rabinowitz PhD

open.substack.com

2 4

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · Jul 21

📢 followers in the DC area:

Please consider attending this rally happening TODAY!

The brave NIH civil servants who are standing up against the destruction of U.S. science need our support.

Alt NIH Bluesky 🧪 @altnih4science.bsky.social · Jul 19

There is a rally on MONDAY at 4:30 PM to stand up for NIH. Please join.

Many NIH employees signed the Bethesda Declaration, objecting to the destruction of NIH. The Trump NIH Director asked the signers to meet. The rally follows that meeting, in support.

actionnetwork.org/ev...

18 37

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · Jul 20

“Many said they had already had funding slashed or programs terminated, while others fear that cuts are inevitable and are beginning to search for alternative work.”

www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025... ‘A disaster for all of us’: US scientists describe impact of Trump cuts | US news | The Guardian

‘A disaster for all of us’: US scientists describe impact of Trump cuts

President’s assault on science –particularly climate science – has led to unprecedented funding cuts and staff layoffs

www.theguardian.com

2 1

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

So good

1

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

I always feel this way, but just saw him live last night!

1 2

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

He sat dejected for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "Is Mel Brooks still alive???"

3

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

When my oldest was in 3rd grade he had to write an essay about what living person he'd want to have lunch with and describe what that would talk about. I suggested Weird Al. He sighed, "Mr. Jackson says he's already heard enough about Weird Al."

1 3

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

We just saw him in concert last night!! It was incredible.

Also, my oldest WENT to a Spaceballs themed birthday party, and it instantly became his favorite movie. Sounds like we should get our kids together.

1 3

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

Amazing!!

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

Saw him live last night. Incredible!

1 1

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

Good on The DP for calling out my alma mater’s capitulation to Trump’s illogical and unlawful demands for what it is—a descent into fascism.

There’s always a choice. Powerful institutions like Penn owe it to their community to stand up for their people and the values they claim to hold.

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · Jul 20

Bravo to the Daily Pennsylvanian editorial board for showing a clarity and conviction rare in national news:

"In allowing the federal government to make a decision that belongs to our community, Penn has violated our trust in a way that may be impossible to restore."

www.thedp.com/article/2025...

Editorial | Penn descends into fascism

The Daily Pennsylvanian Summer Editorial Board argues that Penn’s concessions to the Trump administration set a dangerous precedent for academic freedom.

www.thedp.com

2 11

Reposted by Amanda

Philadelphia Science Action @philadelphiascienceaction.substack.com · Jul 20

The case for investing in biomedical science is so clear it shouldn’t need defending. Yet here we are.

Read and share our latest blog from @amandastherrien.bsky.social & @dramandar.bsky.social

open.substack.com/pub/philadel...

A case so obvious it shouldn’t even need to be made: Biomedical research is an excellent investment

By Amanda S. Therrien Ph.D. and Amanda Rabinowitz Ph.D.

open.substack.com

2 9

Amanda @dramandar.bsky.social · Jul 20

There is not a person in this world that I respect more than Weird Al Yankovic

6 7 130