SPLC Faces Federal Fraud Charges Amid Leadership Troubles

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is currently dealing with federal fraud accusations, coming less than a year after a significant staff upheaval led to a leadership change that has since complicated matters for the organization.

The Justice Department has claimed that this civil rights nonprofit used paid informants to infiltrate and financially support extremist groups—allegations that the SPLC is firmly contesting.

Margaret Huang, who was in charge of the SPLC, reportedly stepped down in July last year after 92% of the staff voted no confidence several months prior. Reports indicate that around June 2024, the organization laid off approximately 80 employees, roughly 25% of its workforce.

Huang claimed she left due to family obligations but the SPLC noted she resigned “to prioritize family life” after five years of leadership.

The internal discord revealed significant rifts between the staff and upper management at the group that is recognized for its civil rights legal efforts and advocacy for racial justice.

Following Huang’s resignation, Brian Fair, a constitutional law professor at the University of Alabama and former SPLC board chairman, has taken on the role of interim president and CEO. He is now handling the organization’s response to the Justice Department’s allegations of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering regarding the past utilization of paid informants.

In a video message, Fair defended the organization’s actions, stating that using informants was essential due to previous experiences with threats of violence. He labeled the accusations as politically charged, asserting, “For 55 years, the SPLC has stood as a beacon of hope, fighting white supremacy and various forms of injustice.”

Fair emphasized that the SPLC has regularly shared information gleaned from informants with local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

Fair remarked, “We will vigorously protect ourselves, our staff, and our jobs.”

Huang’s prominent exit signals ongoing turmoil within the SPLC. The organization was already experiencing upheaval back in 2019 when co-founder and chief trial attorney Morris Dees was dismissed, leading to a significant restructuring.

The review process subsequently resulted in Huang being named the organization’s first permanent president and CEO under a new leadership model. Currently, Mrs. Huang is serving as a senior advisor to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of civil rights groups.

Dees’ termination followed internal allegations related to workplace culture, with reports citing claims of racism and harassment, although he faced no criminal charges.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the SPLC and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights for comments.