ADA admits unclear policies after ejecting members, sparks boycott and journal shutdown

The American Diabetes Association ejected five members from a scientific session in New Orleans on June 5 and later issued two explanations, an apology and a summary of its internal review. The organization said a written threat of protest and disruption had prompted the removals, but also acknowledged that its code of conduct did not clearly address the distribution of materials inside the convention.

The ejections have triggered a backlash from members, including a petition and an estimated 1,100‑member boycott. In response, the ADA’s flagship journal has halted manuscript submissions and grant reviews, and the group has suspended fundraisers and educational activities.

On Friday the ADA posted a new news release outlining a longer‑term review of the incident, three days after the unexplained departure of Rita Kalyani, its chief medical and scientific officer. The release reiterated concerns about potential disruption while conceding that its policies were ambiguous, and it promised further examination of the matter.