PDE Action Joins Coalition Calling on Gov. Kristi Noem to Condemn Midwest Gender Identity Summit

December 21, 2022

PDE Action joined more than a dozen other organizations in calling on South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to condemn the 3rd Annual Midwest Gender Identity Summit and investigate state grants and contracts with vendors who seek to normalize sex changes for minors.

The Midwest Gender Identity Summit is a collaborative effort between Sanford Health and The Transformation Project—two groups that promote medical interventions for minors with gender dysphoria. The Sanford Research Center in Sioux Falls is set to host the event in January 2023. 

“Telling kids they may be born in the wrong body is a self-destructive prophecy that is inflicting countless wounds on youth today. The corporate interests tied up in this increasingly lucrative industry are preying on America’s youth. Sanford Health will be among these predators if this event goes forward,” the letter says. PDE Action cosigned the letter with the American Principles Project, the Heritage Foundation, Concerned Women for America, and many others dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of children. 

It is unconscionable to push gender ideology on children in public schools or through summits that peddle such harmful ideas under the guise of “inclusion.” 

PDE Action applauds Governor Noem’s decision to terminate the  health department’s contract with The Transformation Project. We hope the governor takes appropriate action to investigate other state education or health department grants that funnel taxpayer dollars to activist groups or activities that push gender ideology onto children. 

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Read the full letter here.