Five days after five members of the American Diabetes Association were ejected from the annual scientific conference in New Orleans for distributing an editorial criticizing federal research cuts, ADA CEO Charles Henderson apologized Wednesday to those ousted and the broader diabetes community.
“First and foremost, I would like to personally apologize to Dr. Stephen Kahn, Dr. Desmond Schatz, Dr. Aaron Kelly, Dr. Maureen Gannon, and Dr. Justin Rider for being kicked out and denied access to scientific sessions regardless of the circumstances that led to these events,” Dr. Henderson said in the three-minute video. “I recognize the impact that experience has had on each of you, and I am deeply sorry for the hurt, frustration, and pain that has resulted.”
The editorial in question, published in one of the ADA’s journals and labeled as the author’s opinion rather than the ADA’s, expressed concerns about declining funding and changes to the National Institutes of Health’s grant-making process. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharyya was originally the conference’s keynote speaker until he withdrew. Instead, NIH senior advisor Richard Wojcik was speaking in an outside hall where copies of the editorial were being distributed.
Mr. Henderson’s message emphasized the ADA’s efforts to maintain NIH support.
“ADA will continue to advocate for strong NIH funding and champion the broader research community that supports the pursuit of scientific discovery, advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and ultimately improves the lives of people living with diabetes, obesity, and related diseases.”
Diabetes Association causes uproar as members are expelled from annual meeting to protest NIH cuts
Those attending the conference were stunned as the scene unfolded as police and security guards marched five people out of the conference center. As word of what happened spread, many expressed disbelief and shock. They said they deplore censorship that does not allow for the expression of views critical of the Trump administration’s actions, both on stage and in the hallways.
“In fact, literally, when I heard this happened, I thought it was a joke,” former ADA president John Buse told STAT on Monday. “For me, it was unthinkable.”
“It sounds like a step in the right direction,” Busse said Wednesday of the ADA’s apology. “I hope he speaks to the principals involved.”
Mr Henderson also apologized to the many members who said they were embarrassed, disappointed and concerned by what had happened. “I hear you, I understand your concerns, and I know that once trust has been shaken, it must be restored not just with words, but with actions,” he said.
The ADA requested a review of Friday’s incident and subsequent response over the weekend, in a message that first defended the agency’s actions and then cited IRS rules governing 501(c)(3) organizations.
“I think we also have to start doing the work of healing,” he said. “This incident does not reflect 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 people living with diabetes.”
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