South Dakota has apologized and must pay $300K to transgender advocates

South Dakota has apologized and will pay $300,000 under a settlement with a transgender advocacy group that sued Gov. Kristi Noem and her health secretary. The settlement with the Transformation Project over a canceled health contract was announced this week.

The project had a contract for a community health worker that included a grant. Their attorneys say they received only a portion of the money. The state terminated the contract in December 2022, alleging violations.

The group sued, alleging the termination was based on national politics, citing Noem’s statement to a conservative media outlet that the state government shouldn’t participate in the group’s efforts.

The apology came in a letter signed by South Dakota Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt.

February 7, 2024