Changes

The '''Southern Poverty Law Center''' is a [[Leftist|far-left]] legal and activist [[organization]] created in 1971 in Montgomery, [[Alabama]]. It was founded by trial lawyers Morris Dees and Joe Levin, and its first president was civil rights leader Julian Bond, who would later take control of the [[NAACP]]. SPLC supports a wide variety of extreme-[[liberal]] positions; it is anti-conservative Christianity, pro-[[immigration]] (both legal and [[illegal immigration|illegal]]), advocates [[multiculturalism]] and the [[homosexual agenda]], supports [[Muslim]]s and racial preferences and defendants' rights, and advocates against what it considers "hate groups". In 2012, Black pastors confronted the Southern Poverty Law Center for smearing as "hate groups" pro-family organizations opposed to the [[homosexual agenda]].<ref>http://americansfortruth.com/2012/0/16/press-conf-black-pastors-confront-southern-poverty-law-center-for-smearing-pro-family-organizations-opposed-to-homosexual-agenda-as-hate-groups/</ref> Reverend Dr. Patrick Wooden admonished the SPLC in declaring that it is wrong to compare "my beautiful blackness" with [[homosexual]] perversion.<ref>http://americansfortruth.com/2012/01/16/press-conf-black-pastors-confront-southern-poverty-law-center-for-smearing-pro-family-organizations-opposed-to-homosexual-agenda-as-hate-groups/</ref>

The '''Southern Poverty Law Center''' is a [[Leftist|far-left]] legal and activist [[organization]] created in 1971 in Montgomery, [[Alabama]]. It was founded by trial lawyers Morris Dees and Joe Levin, and its first president was civil rights leader Julian Bond, who would later take control of the [[NAACP]]. SPLC supports a wide variety of extreme-[[liberal]] positions; it is anti-conservative Christianity, pro-[[immigration]] (both legal and [[illegal immigration|illegal]]), advocates [[multiculturalism]] and the [[homosexual agenda]], supports [[Muslim]]s and racial preferences and defendants' rights, and advocates against what it considers "hate groups". In 2012, Black pastors confronted the Southern Poverty Law Center for smearing as "hate groups" pro-family organizations opposed to the [[homosexual agenda]].<ref>http://americansfortruth.com/2012/0/16/press-conf-black-pastors-confront-southern-poverty-law-center-for-smearing-pro-family-organizations-opposed-to-homosexual-agenda-as-hate-groups/</ref> Reverend Dr. Patrick Wooden admonished the SPLC in declaring that it is wrong to compare "my beautiful blackness" with [[homosexual]] perversion.<ref>http://americansfortruth.com/2012/01/16/press-conf-black-pastors-confront-southern-poverty-law-center-for-smearing-pro-family-organizations-opposed-to-homosexual-agenda-as-hate-groups/</ref>

The SPLC's op-ed writings have appeared in the [[Communist Party USA]]'s newspaper ''People's World''.<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2011/01/22/splc-article-featured-in-communist-newspaper/ SPLC article featured in communist newspaper, The Daily Caller, January 22, 2011]</ref> This "controversial, liberal organization" <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/daily/dec98/southern19.htm</ref> has been criticized in mainstream press for being extravagant in its spending, and using charges of racism to stifle conservatives.<ref>http://cofcc.org/?p=984</ref>

The SPLC's op-ed writings have appeared in the [[Communist Party USA]]'s newspaper ''People's World''.<ref>[https://dailycaller.com/2011/01/22/splc-article-featured-in-communist-newspaper/ SPLC article featured in communist newspaper, The Daily Caller, January 22, 2011]</ref> This "controversial, liberal organization" <ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/daily/dec98/southern19.htm</ref> has been criticized in mainstream press for being extravagant in its spending, and using charges of racism to stifle conservatives.<ref>http://cofcc.org/?p=984</ref>

==Finances==

==Finances==

The last year that the [[Better Business Bureau]]'s Philanthropic Advisory Service reported on the SPLC, in 1994, Dees and then Executive Director Edward Ashworth took home over $150,000 each, and the organization then possessed over $62 million in assets.<ref>http://www.zpub.com/notes/znote-splc.html</ref> It now controls over $200 million, and Dees pulls $286,000 in salary.<ref>http://www.splcenter.org/donate/financialinfo/financial.jsp</ref> In 2000, SPLC fundraised $27 million and made an additional $17 million from investments, but spent only $13 million on its civil rights program.<ref>http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a3e5cb925c4.htm</ref> It is no longer listed in the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance<ref>http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=1bce9b1f-74e9-4c94-96e8-1ee2b519b0c4</ref> because that would require that "at least 50 percent of total income from all sources, should be applied to programs and activities directly related to the purposes for which the organization exists." The SPLC spent 89 percent of its total income on fund-raising and administrative costs.<ref>http://www.theamericanresistance.com/thousand_words/pics_splc_expands.html</ref>

The last year that the [[Better Business Bureau]]'s Philanthropic Advisory Service reported on the SPLC, in 1994, Dees and then Executive Director Edward Ashworth took home over $150,000 each, and the organization then possessed over $62 million in assets.<ref>http://www.zpub.com/notes/znote-splc.html</ref> It now controls over $200 million, and Dees pulls $286,000 in salary.<ref>http://www.splcenter.org/donate/financialinfo/financial.jsp</ref> In 2000, SPLC fundraised $27 million and made an additional $17 million from investments, but spent only $13 million on its civil rights program.<ref>http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a3e5cb925c4.htm</ref> It is no longer listed in the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance<ref>http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=1bce9b1f-74e9-4c94-96e8-1ee2b519b0c4</ref> because that would require that "at least 50 percent of total income from all sources, should be applied to programs and activities directly related to the purposes for which the organization exists." The SPLC spent 89 percent of its total income on fund-raising and administrative costs.<ref>http://www.theamericanresistance.com/thousand_words/pics_splc_expands.html</ref>

The SPLC has also been moving millions of dollars out of the U.S. into international accounts which is can use at will with no accountability.  As a non-profit organization, this kind of activity is at the very least irregular if not illegal.<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/5/irs-investigate-splc-cayman</ref> By September 2017, they had amassed at least $67 million in these offshore accounts.<ref>https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/083117-splc-sends-millions-of-cash-to-tax-haven-accounts-1</ref>

The SPLC has also been moving millions of dollars out of the U.S. into international accounts which is can use at will with no accountability.  As a non-profit organization, this kind of activity is at the very least irregular if not illegal.<ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/5/irs-investigate-splc-cayman</ref> By September 2017, they had amassed at least $67 million in these offshore accounts.<ref>https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/083117-splc-sends-millions-of-cash-to-tax-haven-accounts-1</ref>

In addition to donations from liberal members, which are often elicited by sensationalizing hate crimes, the center raises a lot of revenue seizing assets of violent groups, and by extorting groups that do not want to be accused of racism. In 1987, the SPLC won a major case on behalf of Beulah Mae Donald, the mother of a Klan lynching victim. This was the invention of a clever new tactic—suing domestic terrorist groups into bankruptcy—but Ms. Donald benefitted very little. Of the $7 million verdict, only $50,000 went to her. This was because the Klan chapter had no assets other than a warehouse used as a headquarters, the warehouse itself was valued at about $50,000.<ref>http://www.americanpatrol.com/SPLC/ChurchofMorrisDees001100.html</ref>

In addition to donations from liberal members, which are often elicited by sensationalizing hate crimes, the center raises a lot of revenue seizing assets of violent groups, and by extorting groups that do not want to be accused of racism. In 1987, the SPLC won a major case on behalf of Beulah Mae Donald, the mother of a Klan lynching victim. This was the invention of a clever new tactic—suing domestic terrorist groups into bankruptcy—but Ms. Donald benefitted very little. Of the $7 million verdict, only $50,000 went to her. This was because the Klan chapter had no assets other than a warehouse used as a headquarters, the warehouse itself was valued at about $50,000.<ref>http://www.americanpatrol.com/SPLC/ChurchofMorrisDees001100.html</ref>

==Hate Groups==

==Hate Groups==

SPLC lists over 1000 organizations as hate groups. Many of these are widely accepted but the list continues to grow with the controversial additions of [[conservative]] and [[Christianity|Christian]] organizations. Conservative political stances and Christian moral stances that the SLPC disagrees with are now targeted, many of these additions are organizations for the general welfare of American citizens and are not associated with hate. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer has described the SPLC as "defamers and the blacklisters."<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/12/15/israeli-ambassador-ron-dermer-slams-southern-poverty-law-center-defamers-blacklisters/ Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer Slams Southern Poverty Law Center As ‘Defamers and Blacklisters’]. ''Breitbart News'' (from ''The Times of Israel''). Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref>

SPLC lists over 1000 organizations as hate groups. Many of these are widely accepted but the list continues to grow with the controversial additions of [[conservative]] and [[Christianity|Christian]] organizations. Conservative political stances and Christian moral stances that the SLPC disagrees with are now targeted, many of these additions are organizations for the general welfare of American citizens and are not associated with hate. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer has described the SPLC as "defamers and the blacklisters."<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/12/15/israeli-ambassador-ron-dermer-slams-southern-poverty-law-center-defamers-blacklisters/ Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer Slams Southern Poverty Law Center As ‘Defamers and Blacklisters’]. ''Breitbart News'' (from ''The Times of Israel''). Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref>

*Catholic organizations

*Catholic organizations

===Hate Map===

===Hate Map===

The Southern Poverty Law Center posts a "Hate Map" on their website.<ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/shooting-southern-poverty-law-center-put-family-research-council-hate-map  Before Shooting: Southern Poverty Law Center Put Family Research Council on ‘Hate Map’ - See more at: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/shooting-southern-poverty-law-center-put-family-research-council-hate-map#sthash.WwD1HS7R.dpuf CNSNews, April 16, 2012]</ref> The organization lists various "hate groups" for their opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]], [[abortion]] and [[social justice]] to name a few. Homosexual activist [[Floyd Corkins]] utilized the information with the intent on causing [[mass murder]] at the [[Family Research Council]] in D.C., the conservative organization is listed by them as a hate group. Corkins entered FRC's lobby allegedly shouted “I don’t like your politics” and shot an unarmed guard in the arm with a 9mm pistol before being wounded and arrested.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/perkins-shooting-family-research/2012/08/16/id/448862#ixzz2kTjbZHV5 FRC's Perkins: Southern Poverty Law Center Gave Gunman 'License to Shoot']</ref> The SLPC denied they were responsible but the gunman admitted as much. Though Corkins' actions perfectly fit the definition of a [[hate crime]], no such sentence was given likely due to his liberal sympathies. Corkins did receive a 25-year prison sentence.

The Southern Poverty Law Center posts a "Hate Map" on their website.<ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/shooting-southern-poverty-law-center-put-family-research-council-hate-map  Before Shooting: Southern Poverty Law Center Put Family Research Council on ‘Hate Map’ - See more at: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/shooting-southern-poverty-law-center-put-family-research-council-hate-map#sthash.WwD1HS7R.dpuf CNSNews, April 16, 2012]</ref> The organization lists various "hate groups" for their opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]], [[abortion]] and [[social justice]] to name a few. Homosexual activist [[Floyd Corkins]] utilized the information with the intent on causing [[mass murder]] at the [[Family Research Council]] in D.C., the conservative organization is listed by them as a hate group. Corkins entered FRC's lobby allegedly shouted “I don’t like your politics” and shot an unarmed guard in the arm with a 9mm pistol before being wounded and arrested.<ref>[https://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/perkins-shooting-family-research/2012/08/16/id/448862#ixzz2kTjbZHV5 FRC's Perkins: Southern Poverty Law Center Gave Gunman 'License to Shoot']</ref> The SLPC denied they were responsible but the gunman admitted as much. Though Corkins' actions perfectly fit the definition of a [[hate crime]], no such sentence was given likely due to his liberal sympathies. Corkins did receive a 25-year prison sentence.

===SPLC attacks on conservatives and Christians===

===SPLC attacks on conservatives and Christians===

While SPLC attacks obvious hate groups such as the KKK or Aryan Brotherhood, it also lumps in some conservative and Christian organizations in an attempt to defame and delegitimize them. For instance, SPLC considers Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) a "hate group", because it opposes illegal immigration, and uses demonstrations as a method, which the SPLC deems intimidation.<ref>http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2007/12/11/fair-crossing-the-rubicon-of-hate&splcnewsletter=panewsgen-121107/</ref>  Similarly, the SPLC labels the immigration reductionist/reformist website VDARE as a "hate group", because it argues against illegal immigration.<ref>http://blog.vdare.com/archives/2008/10/07/freedom-folksblogs4borders-interview-with-peter-brimelow/</ref>   

While SPLC attacks obvious hate groups such as the KKK or Aryan Brotherhood, it also lumps in some conservative and Christian organizations in an attempt to defame and delegitimize them. For instance, SPLC considers Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) a "hate group", because it opposes illegal immigration, and uses demonstrations as a method, which the SPLC deems intimidation.<ref>http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2007/12/11/fair-crossing-the-rubicon-of-hate&splcnewsletter=panewsgen-121107/</ref>  Similarly, the SPLC labels the immigration reductionist/reformist website VDARE as a "hate group", because it argues against illegal immigration.<ref>http://blog.vdare.com/archives/2008/10/07/freedom-folksblogs4borders-interview-with-peter-brimelow/</ref>   

The SPLC followed Laird Wilson in publishing a list of "hate groups" but after Wilson rejected the usefulness of that approach, the SPLC continued with it, becoming prominent for using it against groups standing for traditional values.<ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2011/0223/Annual-report-cites-rise-in-hate-groups-but-some-ask-What-is-hate</ref><ref>http://editioncnn.com/2012/08/16us/dc-shooting-blame/index.html</ref><ref>http://thehill.com/blogs?blog-briefing-room/news/243921-shooting-spurs-heated-battle-on-gay-rights-and-hate-group-label</ref>  Laird Wilcox, claims to have provided SPLC with some of the information initially used to compile their list of "hate groups". He "concluded that a lot of [the SPLC's hate groups] were vanishingly small or didn’t exist, or could even be an invention of the SPLC." Some of the "hate groups" were creations of SPLC informants, rather than legitimate groups. And with the advent of the internet, some of them exist "nowhere except in cyberspace." Wilcox concludes, "The whole issue of “lists” is full of smoke and mirrors."<ref>"An Expert on Fringe Political Movements Reflects on the SPLC’s Political Agenda - An Exclusive Interview with Author and Researcher Laird Wilcox", Volume 20, Number 3 (Spring 2010)  http://www.thesocialcontract.com/artman2/publish/tsc_20_3/tsc_20_3_wilcox_interview.shtml</ref>

The SPLC followed Laird Wilson in publishing a list of "hate groups" but after Wilson rejected the usefulness of that approach, the SPLC continued with it, becoming prominent for using it against groups standing for traditional values.<ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2011/0223/Annual-report-cites-rise-in-hate-groups-but-some-ask-What-is-hate</ref><ref>http://editioncnn.com/2012/08/16us/dc-shooting-blame/index.html</ref><ref>https://thehill.com/blogs?blog-briefing-room/news/243921-shooting-spurs-heated-battle-on-gay-rights-and-hate-group-label</ref>  Laird Wilcox, claims to have provided SPLC with some of the information initially used to compile their list of "hate groups". He "concluded that a lot of [the SPLC's hate groups] were vanishingly small or didn’t exist, or could even be an invention of the SPLC." Some of the "hate groups" were creations of SPLC informants, rather than legitimate groups. And with the advent of the internet, some of them exist "nowhere except in cyberspace." Wilcox concludes, "The whole issue of “lists” is full of smoke and mirrors."<ref>"An Expert on Fringe Political Movements Reflects on the SPLC’s Political Agenda - An Exclusive Interview with Author and Researcher Laird Wilcox", Volume 20, Number 3 (Spring 2010)  http://www.thesocialcontract.com/artman2/publish/tsc_20_3/tsc_20_3_wilcox_interview.shtml</ref>

In the wake of an August 2012 shooting at the headquarters of the [[Family Research Council]], some columnists criticized the SPLC's listing of the Family Research Council as an "anti-gay hate group". Dana Milbank, of the Washington Post, wrote that the SPLC was "reckless in labeling as a “hate group” a policy shop that advocates for a full range of conservative Christian positions." <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-hateful-speech-on-hate-groups/2012/08/16/70a60ac6-e7e8-11el-8487-64e4b2a79ba8_story.html</ref><ref>[http://huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/22dana-milbank-washington-post-family-research-council-hate-group_n_1822805.html Dana Milbank, Washington Post Writer, Slams LGBT Activists, SPLC For FRC's 'Hate Group' Label]</ref> Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said, after the attack, “I believe [the gunman Floyd Corkins] was given a license to do that by a group such as the Southern Poverty Law Center who labeled us a hate group because we defend the family and stand for traditional orthodox Christianity.”<ref>FRC's Perkins: Southern Poverty Law Center Gave Gunman 'License to Shoot', http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/perkins-shooting-family-research/2012/08/16/id/448862?s=al</ref> Capital Research Center states that the SPLC "deliberately mischaracterizes conservatives and tea partiers as “extremists”."<ref>Southern Poverty Law Center: Wellspring of Manufactured Hate, http://www.capitalresearch.org/2012/09/southern-poverty-law-center-wellspring-of-manufactured-hate/</ref>

In the wake of an August 2012 shooting at the headquarters of the [[Family Research Council]], some columnists criticized the SPLC's listing of the Family Research Council as an "anti-gay hate group". Dana Milbank, of the Washington Post, wrote that the SPLC was "reckless in labeling as a “hate group” a policy shop that advocates for a full range of conservative Christian positions." <ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-hateful-speech-on-hate-groups/2012/08/16/70a60ac6-e7e8-11el-8487-64e4b2a79ba8_story.html</ref><ref>[http://huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/22dana-milbank-washington-post-family-research-council-hate-group_n_1822805.html Dana Milbank, Washington Post Writer, Slams LGBT Activists, SPLC For FRC's 'Hate Group' Label]</ref> Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said, after the attack, “I believe [the gunman Floyd Corkins] was given a license to do that by a group such as the Southern Poverty Law Center who labeled us a hate group because we defend the family and stand for traditional orthodox Christianity.”<ref>FRC's Perkins: Southern Poverty Law Center Gave Gunman 'License to Shoot', https://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/perkins-shooting-family-research/2012/08/16/id/448862?s=al</ref> Capital Research Center states that the SPLC "deliberately mischaracterizes conservatives and tea partiers as “extremists”."<ref>Southern Poverty Law Center: Wellspring of Manufactured Hate, http://www.capitalresearch.org/2012/09/southern-poverty-law-center-wellspring-of-manufactured-hate/</ref>

Also smeared as "hate groups" by the SPLC include: the California Coalition for Immigration Reform, [[Liberty Counsel]], and The Social Contract Press (a liberal group publishing [[environmentalist]] works such as those of [[Garrett Hardin]], apparently smeared solely because they republished French writer [[Jean Raspail]]'s 1973 novel ''The Camp of the Saints'' which foretells catastrophe befalling [[Europe]] from boatloads of illegal immigrants arriving from South Asia).

Also smeared as "hate groups" by the SPLC include: the California Coalition for Immigration Reform, [[Liberty Counsel]], and The Social Contract Press (a liberal group publishing [[environmentalist]] works such as those of [[Garrett Hardin]], apparently smeared solely because they republished French writer [[Jean Raspail]]'s 1973 novel ''The Camp of the Saints'' which foretells catastrophe befalling [[Europe]] from boatloads of illegal immigrants arriving from South Asia).

In 2012, the SPLC found four individuals to file a lawsuit against a group providing therapy to homosexual men in order to help them become [[ex-homosexuals]].<ref>http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/27/15486181-four-men-sue-new-jersey-organization-over-gay-conversion-therapy?lite</ref>  The SPLC alleges the group violated New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Law in advertising that conversion therapy will help people become ex-homosexuals.  Instead of being a pro-consumer lawsuit, as the SLPC implies, the suit is a collateral attack on conversion therapy and the free exercise of religion.

In 2012, the SPLC found four individuals to file a lawsuit against a group providing therapy to homosexual men in order to help them become [[ex-homosexuals]].<ref>http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/27/15486181-four-men-sue-new-jersey-organization-over-gay-conversion-therapy?lite</ref>  The SPLC alleges the group violated New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Law in advertising that conversion therapy will help people become ex-homosexuals.  Instead of being a pro-consumer lawsuit, as the SLPC implies, the suit is a collateral attack on conversion therapy and the free exercise of religion.

In 2017, the SPLC labeled the [[Alliance Defending Freedom]] a "hate group,"<ref>Richardson, Valerie (July 16, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/16/alliance-defending-freedom-blasts-defamatory-south/ ABC, NBC hit with backlash after pinning ‘hate group’ label on Alliance Defending Freedom]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> a label that [[mainstream media]] outlets picked up on.<ref>Weaver, Corrine (July 13, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/07/13/abc-nbc-cnn-defending-1st-amendment-is-hate-speech-media-hit-ag-sessions-for-speech-to-christian-group.html ABC, NBC under fire after smearing Christian organization as a “hate group”]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> That same year, it labeled the conservative [[Center for Immigration Studies]] a "hate group."<ref>Krikorian, Mark (March 17, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-labeling-my-organization-a-hate-group-shuts-down-public-debate/2017/03/17/656ab9c8-0812-11e7-93dc-00f9bdd74ed1_story.html How labeling my organization a hate group shuts down public debate]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.</ref> The SPLC caused serious financial harm to the Ruth Institute, a Catholic organization that combats the decline of the family, due to the SPLC's "hate group" designation of the Institute.<ref>Richardson, Valerie (September 5, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/5/southern-poverty-law-hate-map-listing-costly-ruth-/ Southern Poverty Law ‘hate map’ label proves costly to pro-family Ruth Institute]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved September 11, 2017.</ref> That same year, D. James Kennedy Ministries, an [[evangelical Christian]] ministry based in [[Florida]], filed a lawsuit against the SPLC due to its designation of the ministry as a "hate group."<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (August 24, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/08/24/southern-poverty-law-center-hate-group-label-hit-in-evangelicals-lawsuit.html Southern Poverty Law Center ‘hate group’ label hit in evangelicals’ lawsuit]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref><ref>O'Neil, Tyler (August 23, 2017). [https://pjmedia.com/faith/2017/08/23/d-james-kennedy-ministries-sues-splc-guidestar-and-amazon-for-defamation/ IT'S ON: Christian Group Sues SPLC and Amazon Over 'Hate Group' Designation]. ''PJ Media''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> In 2017, a college graduate was placed on the SPLC's "hate group" list because she did an interview with the conservative [[Family Research Council]].<ref>[http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/09/30/conservative-college-grad-hate-group-list-radio-interview-southern-poverty-law-center Conservative College Grad Put on Hate Group List for Radio Interview]. ''Fox News Insider''. September 30, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref>

In 2017, the SPLC labeled the [[Alliance Defending Freedom]] a "hate group,"<ref>Richardson, Valerie (July 16, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/16/alliance-defending-freedom-blasts-defamatory-south/ ABC, NBC hit with backlash after pinning ‘hate group’ label on Alliance Defending Freedom]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> a label that [[mainstream media]] outlets picked up on.<ref>Weaver, Corrine (July 13, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/07/13/abc-nbc-cnn-defending-1st-amendment-is-hate-speech-media-hit-ag-sessions-for-speech-to-christian-group.html ABC, NBC under fire after smearing Christian organization as a “hate group”]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> That same year, it labeled the conservative [[Center for Immigration Studies]] a "hate group."<ref>Krikorian, Mark (March 17, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-labeling-my-organization-a-hate-group-shuts-down-public-debate/2017/03/17/656ab9c8-0812-11e7-93dc-00f9bdd74ed1_story.html How labeling my organization a hate group shuts down public debate]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.</ref> The SPLC caused serious financial harm to the Ruth Institute, a Catholic organization that combats the decline of the family, due to the SPLC's "hate group" designation of the Institute.<ref>Richardson, Valerie (September 5, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/5/southern-poverty-law-hate-map-listing-costly-ruth-/ Southern Poverty Law ‘hate map’ label proves costly to pro-family Ruth Institute]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved September 11, 2017.</ref> That same year, D. James Kennedy Ministries, an [[evangelical Christian]] ministry based in [[Florida]], filed a lawsuit against the SPLC due to its designation of the ministry as a "hate group."<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (August 24, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/08/24/southern-poverty-law-center-hate-group-label-hit-in-evangelicals-lawsuit.html Southern Poverty Law Center ‘hate group’ label hit in evangelicals’ lawsuit]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref><ref>O'Neil, Tyler (August 23, 2017). [https://pjmedia.com/faith/2017/08/23/d-james-kennedy-ministries-sues-splc-guidestar-and-amazon-for-defamation/ IT'S ON: Christian Group Sues SPLC and Amazon Over 'Hate Group' Designation]. ''PJ Media''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> In 2017, a college graduate was placed on the SPLC's "hate group" list because she did an interview with the conservative [[Family Research Council]].<ref>[http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/09/30/conservative-college-grad-hate-group-list-radio-interview-southern-poverty-law-center Conservative College Grad Put on Hate Group List for Radio Interview]. ''Fox News Insider''. September 30, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref>

In 2017, the SPLC included Twitter hashtags such as "#Christmas", "#MerryChristmas", and "#jesus", on its list of "trends in a community of far-right Twitter users."<ref>Multiple references:

In 2017, the SPLC included Twitter hashtags such as "#Christmas", "#MerryChristmas", and "#jesus", on its list of "trends in a community of far-right Twitter users."<ref>Multiple references:

*Strand, Paul (December 27, 2017). [http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/december/southern-poverty-law-center-adds-merry-christmas-to-its-hate-list ‘Merry Christmas’ Appears on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Hashtags Hate List]. ''CBN News''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.

*Strand, Paul (December 27, 2017). [http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/december/southern-poverty-law-center-adds-merry-christmas-to-its-hate-list ‘Merry Christmas’ Appears on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Hashtags Hate List]. ''CBN News''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (December 25, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/12/25/southern-poverty-law-centers-hate-tracker-tracking-christmas-hashtags/ Southern Poverty Law Center’s ‘Hate Tracker’ Picks Up #Christmas as Trending Hashtag]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (December 25, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/12/25/southern-poverty-law-centers-hate-tracker-tracking-christmas-hashtags/ Southern Poverty Law Center’s ‘Hate Tracker’ Picks Up #Christmas as Trending Hashtag]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.

*Bourne, Lisa (January 3, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/liberal-law-center-ranks-merrychristmas-as-top-twitter-hate-speech-on-chris Liberal law center ranks ‘#merrychristmas’ as top Twitter ‘hate’ speech on Christmas day]. ''LifeSIteNews''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.</ref> It was reported in early 2018 that the SPLC was working with [[YouTube]] to police the site's videos and censor conservatives and Christians in the process.<ref>Multiple references:

*Bourne, Lisa (January 3, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/liberal-law-center-ranks-merrychristmas-as-top-twitter-hate-speech-on-chris Liberal law center ranks ‘#merrychristmas’ as top Twitter ‘hate’ speech on Christmas day]. ''LifeSIteNews''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.</ref> It was reported in early 2018 that the SPLC was working with [[YouTube]] to police the site's videos and censor conservatives and Christians in the process.<ref>Multiple references:

*Newman, Alex (March 2, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/computers/item/28413-hate-group-splc-helping-youtube-purge-conservatives “Hate Group” SPLC Helping YouTube Purge Conservatives]. ''The New American''. Retrieved March 2, 2018.

*Newman, Alex (March 2, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/computers/item/28413-hate-group-splc-helping-youtube-purge-conservatives “Hate Group” SPLC Helping YouTube Purge Conservatives]. ''The New American''. Retrieved March 2, 2018.

*Nash, Charlie (March 1, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2018/03/01/report-far-left-splc-helping-youtube-police-videos-as-conservatives-increasingly-censored/ Report: Far-Left SPLC Helping YouTube Police Videos as Conservatives Increasingly Censored]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 2, 2018.

*Nash, Charlie (March 1, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2018/03/01/report-far-left-splc-helping-youtube-police-videos-as-conservatives-increasingly-censored/ Report: Far-Left SPLC Helping YouTube Police Videos as Conservatives Increasingly Censored]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 2, 2018.

*Hasson, Peter (February 27, 2018). [http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/27/google-youtube-southern-poverty-law-center-censorship/ EXCLUSIVE: YouTube Secretly Using SPLC To Police Videos]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved March 2, 2018.</ref>

*Hasson, Peter (February 27, 2018). [https://dailycaller.com/2018/02/27/google-youtube-southern-poverty-law-center-censorship/ EXCLUSIVE: YouTube Secretly Using SPLC To Police Videos]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved March 2, 2018.</ref>

All of the incidents listed above further prove the SPLC is a left-wing political organization, as well as itself being a hate group, rather than one focused on racism and civil rights.

All of the incidents listed above further prove the SPLC is a left-wing political organization, as well as itself being a hate group, rather than one focused on racism and civil rights.

Despite labeling numerous mainstream conservative organizations as "hate groups", the SPLC has refused to label [[Antifa]], a violent extremist left-wing group, a hate group.<ref>Nelson, Steve (September 3, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/southern-poverty-law-center-condemns-antifa-but-wont-call-hate-group/article/2633252 Southern Poverty Law Center condemns antifa, but won't call hate group]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref><ref>Richardson, Valerie (December 2, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/2/antifa-isnt-hate-group-southern-poverty-law-center/ Antifa isn’t a ‘hate group,’ Southern Poverty Law Center claims]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.</ref>

Despite labeling numerous mainstream conservative organizations as "hate groups", the SPLC has refused to label [[Antifa]], a violent extremist left-wing group, a hate group.<ref>Nelson, Steve (September 3, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/southern-poverty-law-center-condemns-antifa-but-wont-call-hate-group/article/2633252 Southern Poverty Law Center condemns antifa, but won't call hate group]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref><ref>Richardson, Valerie (December 2, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/2/antifa-isnt-hate-group-southern-poverty-law-center/ Antifa isn’t a ‘hate group,’ Southern Poverty Law Center claims]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.</ref>

The SPLC has labeled Islamic terrorist attacks, such as the 2016 Orlando nightclub attack, and [[Black lives matter]] attacks as somehow being "Terror from the Right."<ref>Stranahan, Lee (December 10, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/10/southern-poverty-law-center-calls-islamic-and-black-lives-matter-attacks-radical-right-terrorist-plots/ Southern Poverty Law Center Calls Islamic and Black Lives Matter Attacks ‘Radical-Right Terrorist Plots’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref><ref>Pfeiffer, Alex (December 8, 2016). [http://dailycaller.com/2016/12/08/the-splc-considers-the-most-deadly-islamic-terror-attack-since-911-a-right-wing-plot/ The SPLC Considers The Most Deadly Islamic Terror Attack Since 9/11 A Right-Wing Plot]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref><ref>Sulzer, John (December 12, 2016). [https://www.thelibertyconservative.com/splc-dallas-ambush-orlando-shooting-right-wing-terror/ SPLC: Dallas Ambush, Orlando Shooting “Right Wing Terror”]. ''The Liberty Conservative''. Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref>

The SPLC has labeled Islamic terrorist attacks, such as the 2016 Orlando nightclub attack, and [[Black lives matter]] attacks as somehow being "Terror from the Right."<ref>Stranahan, Lee (December 10, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/10/southern-poverty-law-center-calls-islamic-and-black-lives-matter-attacks-radical-right-terrorist-plots/ Southern Poverty Law Center Calls Islamic and Black Lives Matter Attacks ‘Radical-Right Terrorist Plots’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref><ref>Pfeiffer, Alex (December 8, 2016). [https://dailycaller.com/2016/12/08/the-splc-considers-the-most-deadly-islamic-terror-attack-since-911-a-right-wing-plot/ The SPLC Considers The Most Deadly Islamic Terror Attack Since 9/11 A Right-Wing Plot]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref><ref>Sulzer, John (December 12, 2016). [https://www.thelibertyconservative.com/splc-dallas-ambush-orlando-shooting-right-wing-terror/ SPLC: Dallas Ambush, Orlando Shooting “Right Wing Terror”]. ''The Liberty Conservative''. Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref>

In 2017, the SPLC labeled British Muslim anti-extremist Maajid Nawaz as an "anti-Muslim extremist",<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (August 29, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/08/29/british-muslim-suing-southern-poverty-law-center/ Why a British Muslim Is Suing the Southern Poverty Law Center]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.</ref> something which the organization later apologized and paid a $3.3 million settlement for.<ref>Multiple references:

In 2017, the SPLC labeled British Muslim anti-extremist Maajid Nawaz as an "anti-Muslim extremist",<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (August 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/08/29/british-muslim-suing-southern-poverty-law-center/ Why a British Muslim Is Suing the Southern Poverty Law Center]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.</ref> something which the organization later apologized and paid a $3.3 million settlement for.<ref>Multiple references:

*Duke, Selwyn (June 23, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/crime/item/29352-acting-like-a-hate-group-splc-pays-large-settlement-and-may-be-sued-further Acting Like a Hate Group, SPLC Pays Large Settlement and May Be Sued Further]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

*Duke, Selwyn (June 23, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/crime/item/29352-acting-like-a-hate-group-splc-pays-large-settlement-and-may-be-sued-further Acting Like a Hate Group, SPLC Pays Large Settlement and May Be Sued Further]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

*Tomlinson, Chris (June 18, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/18/u-s-far-left-anti-hate-group-to-pay-maajid-nawaz-3-3-million-dollar-settlement-for-including-him-on-hate-list/ U.S. Far-Left Group SPLC To Pay Counter-Extremist Maajid Nawaz $3.3M Settlement Over Anti-Muslim ‘Hate List’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

*Tomlinson, Chris (June 18, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/18/u-s-far-left-anti-hate-group-to-pay-maajid-nawaz-3-3-million-dollar-settlement-for-including-him-on-hate-list/ U.S. Far-Left Group SPLC To Pay Counter-Extremist Maajid Nawaz $3.3M Settlement Over Anti-Muslim ‘Hate List’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

*Chamberlain, Samuel (June 18, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/06/18/splc-makes-huge-settlement-with-anti-extremist-group-it-called-anti-muslim.html SPLC makes huge settlement with anti-extremist group it called 'anti-Muslim']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

*Chamberlain, Samuel (June 18, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/06/18/splc-makes-huge-settlement-with-anti-extremist-group-it-called-anti-muslim.html SPLC makes huge settlement with anti-extremist group it called 'anti-Muslim']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

See also:

See also:

*Delingpole, James (June 19, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/19/delingpole-maajiid-nawaz-vs-southern-poverty-law-center-smells-like-victory/ Delingpole: This Ex-Radical Islamist Just Won a Great Victory for Us All]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

*Delingpole, James (June 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/19/delingpole-maajiid-nawaz-vs-southern-poverty-law-center-smells-like-victory/ Delingpole: This Ex-Radical Islamist Just Won a Great Victory for Us All]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.

*Nash, Charles (June 20, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2018/06/20/at-least-60-groups-considering-lawsuit-against-splc/ At Least 60 Groups Considering Lawsuits Against SPLC, Inspired by Nawaz Victory]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.</ref>

*Nash, Charles (June 20, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2018/06/20/at-least-60-groups-considering-lawsuit-against-splc/ At Least 60 Groups Considering Lawsuits Against SPLC, Inspired by Nawaz Victory]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.</ref>

==Infiltration into the classroom==

==Infiltration into the classroom==