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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>[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> Despite the organization's [[far-left]] [[partisan]]ship and its slander of mainstream conservative and Christian organizations, the mainstream media continues to cite the SPLC as an authority on hate groups.<ref>Adams, Becket (February 23, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/dont-fall-for-the-splcs-lies Don't fall for the SPLC's lies]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved February 24, 2019.</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> Despite the organization's [[far-left]] [[partisan]]ship and its slander of mainstream conservative and Christian organizations, the mainstream media continues to cite the SPLC as an "authority" on hate groups.<ref>Adams, Becket (February 23, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/dont-fall-for-the-splcs-lies Don't fall for the SPLC's lies]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved February 24, 2019.</ref>

In March 2019, the SPLC fired its co-founder for misconduct,<ref>Multiple references:

In March 2019, the SPLC fired its co-founder for misconduct,<ref>Multiple references:

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>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>

The SPLC has also been moving millions of dollars out of the U.S. into international accounts which it 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>

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). [https://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). [https://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). [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>

The SPLC has mislabeled 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). [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:

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: