NEW ORLEANS — Five scientists were removed from the American Diabetes Association annual meeting in New Orleans on June 5, 2025, after they began distributing copies of an editorial criticizing the Trump administration’s policies on scientific research. The incident triggered internal dissent within the organization and a wave of public backlash from members and supporters.

The five scientists removed were Steven Kahn, Desmond Schatz, Aaron Kelly, Justin Ryder, Irl Hirsch, and Maureen Gannon. Police escorted them out of the conference within minutes of their distribution activity, shoved at least one of them, confiscated their conference badges, and threatened arrest if they attempted to return. The Louisiana State Police later stated they acted at the request of the American Diabetes Association. Following their removal, the organization barred the scientists from attending the remainder of the conference.

The scientists were handing out copies of an editorial published in the journal Diabetes Care in April 2025, which criticized the Trump administration’s actions regarding scientific research. According to the five scientists, American Diabetes Association leadership knew in advance that members planned to distribute the editorial and deliberately orchestrated an ambush by coordinating with venue security and local police. They further stated that in the month since the incident, there had been no meeting with ADA leadership and no official apology beyond a video statement.

Charles Henderson, the CEO of the American Diabetes Association, posted a video statement apologizing for the organization’s decision to remove the scientists. “What transpired is not reflective of who I am, the values I hold, or the way I was raised,” Henderson said. He added, “I will work hard to bring our community back together to build on the progress we have collectively made for those affected by diabetes.” Henderson also announced that the ADA would commission a thorough independent review of the events and the policies guiding its actions.

The deputy editors of Diabetes Care, Elizabeth Selvin and Cheryl A.M. Anderson, posted the original editorial and seven accompanying opinion articles to a preprint server after the American Diabetes Association refused to publish them. “The ADA’s response was to refuse to publish these articles,” they wrote. They added, “We are speaking out because it is unusual and unacceptable for a medical society to work at cross purposes with its members and its editors.” The deputy editors also noted that the ADA had previously attempted to restrict editorial freedom when they raised concerns about “the dismantling of the National Institutes of Health.” They stated, “A wrong occurred in New Orleans that the ADA has not addressed,” and emphasized that “there remain open questions surrounding the events of June 5th.”

The conflict traces back to a 90-minute session organized in 2025 titled “How Do We Fix a Broken Health Care System?” Washington state congresswoman Kim Schrier—a pediatrician who has Type 1 diabetes—was a panelist. Although American Diabetes Association leadership initially objected that the session was unbalanced and requested opposing viewpoints, the organization ultimately approved it but did not advertise it. Selvin and Anderson later stated the session was not partisan in nature.

More than 40 American Diabetes Association officials signed a letter criticizing the decision to remove the scientists, describing the justification as “unpersuasive” and demanding an “immediate and unconditional public apology.” Separately, an open letter titled “Shame on You” calling for an apology gathered over 7,500 signatures. The American Diabetes Association initially claimed the scientists violated the conference code of conduct. In a subsequent email to members, the organization clarified they were removed for distributing material without prior approval, not because of the viewpoints expressed. It also stated the action was taken to comply with federal regulations for 501(c)(3) nonprofits requiring a strictly nonpartisan environment.

The fallout disrupted scheduled programming at the annual meeting. Steven Kahn, a professor of medicine at the University of Washington and editor-in-chief of Diabetes Care, was scheduled to chair a symposium but was replaced by John Buse of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. During his remarks, Buse criticized the ADA’s actions.

The five scientists also made specific demands, requesting a thorough investigation, a formal process to identify professional membership concerns, and greater visibility in patient and research funding advocacy. They wrote, “Any disclaimers need to be removed from the published editorials.” The American Diabetes Association later stated it delayed publication of the editorial and opinion articles pending the outcome of its independent review.

The incident underscores tensions between scientific advocacy and organizational compliance within major U.S. health nonprofits. The American Diabetes Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1940, faces scrutiny over whether its actions protected its tax-exempt status or suppressed legitimate scientific critique. The scientists’ removal during an annual meeting attended by thousands of researchers and clinicians has sparked debate about academic freedom, the role of medical societies in policy discourse, and transparency in institutional decision-making.

The controversy has also highlighted internal fractures: prominent figures like Desmond Schatz, a former ADA president, and Steven Kahn, editor-in-chief of the association’s flagship journal, were among those removed. With over 7,500 public signatories and dozens of internal officials condemning the response, the ADA’s leadership now confronts pressure not only to reconcile with dissenting members but also to clarify its stance on political advocacy in an increasingly polarized scientific landscape.