Diabetes association leader apologizes for expulsion of members, pledges to rebuild trust

Health Diabetes association leader apologizes for expulsion of members, pledges to rebuild trust ‘I believe we must also begin the work of healing’ Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Elizabeth CooneyJune 10, 2026 Cardiovascular Disease Reporter Elizabeth Cooney[email protected]Liz covers cardiovascular and metabolic disease, asking why we’re not doing better or even losing ground against the world’s leading killer. Send tips on Signal at LizC.22. Five days after five members of the American Diabetes Association were ushered out of its annual scientific sessions in New Orleans for handing out an editorial criticizing federal research cuts, ADA chief executive officer Charles Henderson on Wednesday apologized to the people expelled and to the broader diabetes community. “First and foremost, I want to personally apologize to Dr. Stephen Kahn, Dr. Desmond Schatz, Dr. Aaron Kelly, Dr. Maureen Gannon, and Dr. Justin Ryder, who were escorted out and denied access to scientific sessions, regardless of the circumstances that led to those events,” Henderson said in the three-minute video. “I recognize the impact that experience had on each of you. I am deeply sorry for the hurt, frustration, and the pain that resulted.”Advertisement The editorial in question, published in one of ADA’s journals and labeled as the views of its authors and not the ADA, expressed concern about diminished funding and changes to the grant-making process at the National Institutes of Health. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya was originally the conference’s keynote speaker before backing out; in his place, NIH senior adviser Richard Woychik was speaking in the hall outside which copies of the editorial were being handed out. Henderson’s message underscored ADA’s work to maintain NIH support. “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.” Advertisement People at the conference were stunned by the scene that unfolded, when police and security officers marched the five people out of the conference center. As word spread of what happened, many people expressed disbelief and shock. They said they deplored censorship that did not allow for viewpoints critical of Trump administration actions to be expressed, either on stage or in the hallways. “I actually, literally, when I heard that this happened, I thought it was a joke,” John Buse, a former president of the ADA, told STAT Monday. “To me, it was inconceivable.” , “It sounds like a step in the right direction,” Buse said Wednesday about the ADA apology. “I do hope he talks to the principals that were involved.” Henderson also apologized to the many members whom he said were disturbed, disappointed, and concerned by 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,” he said. The ADA has commissioned a review of the Friday events and the response to it that followed over the weekend, when messages first defended its actions and then cited IRS rules governing 501(c)(3) organizations. “I believe we must also begin the work of healing,” he said. “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.” STAT’s coverage of chronic health issues is supported by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Our financial supporters are not involved in any decisions about our journalism. chronic diseases, diabetes, politics, research, RFK Jr. Submit a correction requestReprints Elizabeth Cooney Cardiovascular Disease Reporter Liz covers cardiovascular and metabolic disease, asking why we’re not doing better or even losing ground against the world’s leading killer. Send tips on Signal at LizC.22. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Health June 10, 2026 Are Republicans turning against medications for treating opioid addiction? Pharma June 10, 2026 STAT Plus: As the U.S. looks on, European countries feel growing pressure on drug prices Advertisement D.C. Diagnosis June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump’s health care affordability czar takes aim at hospitals Politics June 9, 2026 Trump administration warns more than 500 hospitals to provide more price information or face fines Politics June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: NIAID appoints new acting director after weekslong questions over leadership Subscriber Picks