Calls for SPLC’s Tax-Exempt Status to be Revoked
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is facing pressure from Republican lawmakers to reconsider the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) tax-exempt status. This push comes after allegations that the SPLC’s financial support for certain extremist groups constitutes a “fraudulent act.”
Representative Mark Harris from North Carolina claims that the SPLC has regularly targeted conservatives through its well-known “hate map.” He asserts that, under the pretense of combating hate, the SPLC has managed to gather millions while allegedly funding groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
“It’s evident that the SPLC has shifted from its original mission,” Harris remarked in an interview. He believes it now operates as a significant left-leaning political entity, supporting groups that many Americans would find unacceptable.
Bessent’s correspondence to Harris outlines concerns, emphasizing that 501(c)(3) organizations should primarily function for charitable or educational purposes and must refrain from partisan activities.
Allegations of Partisan Targeting
The letter details how the SPLC, by classifying conservative organizations alongside extremist groups, is not fulfilling its nonprofit obligations. This observation hints at a selective spotlight on left-wing groups such as Antifa, which the SPLC has purportedly ignored.
During a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, Rep. Harris addressed contentious issues, including the Justice Department’s surveillance of certain groups he characterized as “radical traditionalist Catholics.” Interestingly, the SPLC has provided guidance used to rationalize such monitoring.
The SPLC also reportedly maintains a “hate map” that includes various mainstream Christian organizations, like the Family Research Council. Harris recalled a tragic incident in 2012 when a gunman targeted this group based on its SPLC classification.
“All these organizations share a connection: they simply hold conservative views,” Harris stated. He also took aim at claims suggesting the SPLC may have diverted significant donations to support extremist activities, branding such actions not as charitable but rather as deceptive.
Investigation Demanded
The investigation is fueled by the assertion that the SPLC misused over $4 million in donations, allegedly funding events like KKK rallies. Harris emphasized that such allegations point to hypocrisy, claiming the SPLC actually creates the hatred it claims to oppose.
Harris referenced a surge in SPLC donations following the violent 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, implying this change fueled further conflict, ultimately benefiting the organization financially.
Finally, Harris closed his letter urging Bessent to instruct the IRS to examine the SPLC’s operations, advocating for the potential revocation of its tax-exempt status, citing that the evidence clearly indicates a lack of charitable operation.
The SPLC has denied the allegations presented by the Department of Justice and has not commented on requests for information regarding these matters.
