Five leading scientists were forcibly removed from the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting in New Orleans for distributing journal reprints that criticized government attacks on scientific research. The ejected group included Steven Kahn, professor of medicine at the University of Washington and editor-in-chief of Diabetes Care, Desmond Schatz, Aaron Kelly, Justin Ryder and Irl Hirsch.

The scientists were handing out copies outside a room where NIH director Jay Bhattacharya was scheduled to speak; however, he later cancelled. The ADA stated that these attendees were removed due to behavior not consistent with their code of conduct for conferences, which prohibits harassment or disorderly conduct such as protesting.

“They physically grabbed us, forced us out of the conference center and now are telling us we can no longer attend this meeting,” said Aaron Kelly. “Censorship is real. America needs to stand up. Scientists, stand up. Physicians, stand up.”

The incident has sparked debate about academic freedom and the role of scientific organizations in supporting open discourse. Critics argue that such actions could stifle critical voices within the scientific community.