The American Diabetes Association drew national criticism after five physicians and researchers were removed from its 2026 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans for distributing copies of an editorial that criticized Trump administration cuts and changes affecting the National Institutes of Health. The researchers included Steven Kahn, Desmond Schatz, Aaron Kelly, Maureen Gannon, and Justin Ryder. The editorial had appeared in Diabetes Care, the ADA’s own flagship journal, but the association initially said the distribution violated rules intended to preserve a nonpartisan environment for a 501(c)(3) organization. Video and reports of the removals spread quickly, and many diabetes researchers interpreted the action as censorship or suppression of scientific advocacy. Backlash included a petition with thousands of signatures, a walkout by attendees holding a We stand with science sign, criticism from former ADA leaders, and resignations by prominent association figures. CEO Charles Henderson later issued a video apology, promised an independent review, reaffirmed the ADA’s support for robust NIH funding, and acknowledged that trust would have to be earned back through actions rather than words.
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Video
Transcript
Hello, I’m Chuck Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association. Over the past several days, I spent a great deal of time reflecting on events that occurred in our scientific sessions in New Orleans. First and foremost, I want to personally apologize to Dr. Stephen Conn, Dr. Desmond Chats, Dr. Aaron Kelly, Dr. Maureen Ganon, and Dr. Justin Ryder, who were escorted out and denied access to scientific sessions. Regardless of the circumstances that led to those events, I recognize the impact that experience had on each of you. I am deeply sorry for the hurt, frustration, and the pain that resulted. I also want to apologize to the broader diabetes community. Many members of our community were disturbed, disappointed, and concerned about what occurred. I have heard your voices, I understand your concerns, and I know that trust, once shaken, must be earned back through actions and not just words. When events occur that create division or cause members of our community to feel unheard or unwelcome, we must acknowledge that openly. To ensure transparency and accountability, the ADA will commission a thorough independent review of the events that occurred, as well as the policies, procedures, and decision-making process that guided our actions. We want to make sure that such incidents do not reoccur. When the review is complete, we will share what we learned and identify the steps we must take moving forward. While that process unfolds, I believe we must also begin the work of healing. The American Diabetes Association is committed to ensuring funding for diabetes research, as we have been doing each year for the last 85 years. The ADA remains unwavering in our commitment to science. The ADA will continue to advocate for robust NIH funding, support the pursuit of scientific discovery, and advocate for the broader research community whose work advances knowledge, drives innovation, and ultimately improves the lives of people living with diabetes, obesity, and related conditions. With the full support of the Board of Directors, we are committed to continuing to work together in fulfilling our mission and fighting on behalf of people living with diabetes and obesity. In closing, what transpired is not reflective of who I am, the values I hold, or the way I was raised. I will work hard to bring our community back together to build on the progress we have collectively made for those affected by diabetes. Thank you.
Sources
American Diabetes Association. (2026, June 10). Statement from the American Diabetes Association regarding 2026 Scientific Sessions. https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/statement-american-diabetes-association-regarding-2026-scientific-sessions
American Diabetes Association. (2026, June 10). Statement from the American Diabetes Association regarding 2026 Scientific Sessions [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7K2j3Rs-Qg
Lutton, L. (2026, June 15). From ejection to apology: The ADA controversy’s timeline of events. Managed Healthcare Executive. https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/from-ejection-to-apology-the-ada-controversy-s-timeline-of-events
Cooney, E. (2026, June 10). Diabetes association CEO apologizes for conference expulsions. STAT. https://www.statnews.com/2026/06/10/ada-annual-convention-ceo-apology-protester-removal/
Science. (2026, June 10). Diabetes society apologizes after removal of Trump protesters from conference. https://www.science.org/content/article/diabetes-society-officials-resign-after-removal-trump-protestors-conference
