Noem parts with health secretary after discovering state contracted with transgender group
Heather Hamilton
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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, announced the retirement of Health Secretary Joan Adam on the heels of learning that the state Health Department contracted with a transgender activist group.
Noem announced Adam’s retirement Monday and thanked Adam for her service. The contract was not mentioned in her statement, however.
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The Republican governor’s office terminated the state’s contract with the Transformation Project, which is set to host a “Gender Identity Summit” in January.
Ian Fury, Noem’s chief of communications, said the contract was signed “without Gov. Noem’s knowledge or approval.”
“South Dakota does not support this organization’s efforts, and state government should not be participating in them,” Noem said in a statement. “We should not be dividing our youth with radical ideologies. We should treat every single individual equally as a human being.”
In Noem’s announcement of Adam’s retirement, the former health secretary said her time with the state’s health department was rewarding.
“The dedication of the department’s employees is impressive and will continue to serve the state well,” Adam said. “I am looking forward to focusing on family and personal commitments.”
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Fury also noted that the Transformation Project failed to comply with its state contract and “submit required quarterly reports for two consecutive quarters.”
The “Midwest Gender Identity Summit” will be hosted by Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Jan. 13 and include workshops related to gender-affirming care.