Full Breakdown
Police Removal of Diabetes Researchers Highlights Tension Over Academic Freedom at ADA Conference
6/8/2026, 10:56:37 PM
Incident Overview
On the morning of Friday, June 5, 2026, five researchers were escorted from the American Diabetes Association’s annual meeting in New Orleans after distributing copies of an editorial that criticized the Trump administration’s cuts to biomedical research. Security staff and Louisiana State Police seized their lanyards, warned that re-entry would result in arrest, and barred them from further participation. The removal occurred shortly before a scheduled keynote by NIH director Jay Bhattacharya, who withdrew and was replaced by a senior adviser.
Background & Significance
The editorial, published in *Diabetes Care*—the ADA’s flagship journal—was authored by Steven E. Kahn, Cheryl A.M. Anderson, John B. Buse, and Elizabeth Selvin. It warned that recent NIH budget cuts and other administration actions could jeopardize diabetes research, clinical trials, and future scientific progress. The incident raises concerns about academic freedom and the influence of political pressure on professional medical societies.
Key Participants
Key figures include Steven E. Kahn, director of the UW Diabetes Research Center and editor-in-chief of *Diabetes Care*; Aaron Kelly, professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota; the Louisiana State Police, who responded to a request from conference organizers; and the American Diabetes Association, the event’s host.
Official Statements & Responses
The ADA said the individuals violated the conference code of conduct, which “expects that all participants will conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner,” and that removal was required “for the safety of everyone” and to treat “all demonstrations seriously.” A Louisiana State Police spokesperson confirmed that organizers requested assistance, that troopers made no arrests, and that all parties left peacefully.
Criticism & Opposition
The removed researchers described the action as censorship. Kahn called the ADA’s decision “a serious mistake” and suggested the organization feared retaliation from the administration. The editorial’s authors warned that silencing such criticism could have “ripple effects” on future research funding and clinical trials.
Data & Statistics
Five researchers were removed; roughly 1,000 editorial copies were slated for distribution; the editorial listed four authors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were clearly trying to intimidate us,” — Aaron Kelly, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School
- “Censorship is real,” — Aaron Kelly, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School
- “willing to be arrested.” — Steven Kahn, Director of the UW Diabetes Research Center
- “The easy thing to do is just let people hand out the pamphlets and make no big deal out of it,” — Steven Kahn, Director of the UW Diabetes Research Center
- “For the safety of everyone, we must take all demonstrations seriously,” — American Diabetes Association, Executive Team
What’s Next
The ADA conference ends on June 8, 2026. The researchers said they will continue circulating the editorial and may seek dialogue with the association about its conduct policies.
