UUSC Statement of Solidarity with Southern Poverty Law Center

UUSC unites with human rights organizations to denounce the U.S. Department of Justice’s attack on Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). SPLC has played a vital role in advancing civil rights for decades, and we support their determination to fight the recent allegations.

Politically motivated investigations into activities of nonprofit organizations like SPLC are intended to silence those who are critical of the Trump administration’s policies. Every American citizen should be outraged by the threat to our values and liberties this indictment brings. It is a blatant attempt to chill speech with which this administration disagrees and fits a repeated pattern of attacking the foundations of civil society.

These coordinated attacks are meant to undermine the good work of SPLC and cut off funding to them and other similar mission-driven organizations who protect people from hate and discrimination. Every day, civil rights organizations ensure that all people can live freely and be themselves, with dignity.

UUSC is a member of the Block and Build Funder Coalition, a growing coalition of 225 philanthropic organizations building power to resist authoritarianism, defend movements for justice, and safeguard civil liberties.

People of conscience recognize that we are more powerful when acting together. Our communities will not be divided, silenced, or intimidated. UUSC’s Vice President and Lead Program Officer Rachel Freed reminds us of our collective power, saying, “Progressive organizations won’t back down in the face of this cowardly criminalization of dissent and UUSC will continue to direct funding to our grassroots partners who are committed to confronting rising authoritarianism.”

We urge everyone to publicly and vocally share your support across your networks and areas of influence to loudly reinforce the message that civil rights history will not be rewritten, and dissent is not a crime.