Stand Up For Science Collects 11k+ Public Signatures on Petition Calling for Protection of Dr. Fauci

Thousands of advocates sign the petition in its first week, signaling public support of science, truth, and evidence-based decision-making.

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, August 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Following the August 10 announcement of its petition calling for Congress to rescind contempt charges against Dr. Anthony Fauci, Stand Up for Science is renewing its call to action for the public to join them in supporting Dr. Fauci. To date, the petition has garnered over 11,000 signatures from supporters.

Stand Up for Science is asking science advocates and supporters to contact their Members of Congress to urge protections for Dr. Fauci and stand up for a future where health is supported by science.

Dr. Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, issued the following statement:

“We’re harnessing people power again, and the people are standing up for scientists and other subject matter experts, who shouldn’t be vilified for advising a president. Science should be challenged and held to a high standard. But Rand Paul and the Senate Republicans are not going after Dr. Fauci in pursuit of truth or ensuring good science or better public health protection in a future pandemic.

“This is a targeted effort to leverage unproven claims, conspiracy theories, and COVID grudges to sway voters. We’re heading into election season with a message to all members of Congress: stop the assault on science, or be replaced by those who will.”

The petition, published on the Stand Up for Science website, urges Congress to “immediately rescind the contempt resolution referral to the Justice Department” and warns that the Senate Republicans’ efforts to villainize public health experts is a tactic that makes us more vulnerable to the next public health crisis.

The petition was announced after Senate Republicans on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted on August 6 to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt of Congress for pleading the fifth amendment during his congressional hearing. The Senate panel referred the contempt resolution to the Justice Department without the full Senate vote, a move that bypasses the usual procedures.

Delawalla is available for comment.

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Stand Up for Science is a grassroots, Washington, D.C. based, 501(c)(4) non-profit organization mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. Stand Up for Science was formed in February 2025 in response to actions affecting federal science agencies and funding of the American scientific ecosystem. On March 7th, Stand Up For Science mobilized over 50,000 people at 170+ events across the world on its first National Day of Action. Federal scientists across multiple agencies (NIH, EPA, NASA, FEMA) have chosen Stand Up for Science as the platform to publish their open letters of concern.

Char Bowling
Stand Up for Science
media@standupforscience.net
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