Inclusion Allies Coalition (IAC) Stands with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

Written by Bart Bailey, Inclusion Allies Coalition; Principal Consultant and Owner, Courage to Care, LLC

The Inclusion Allies Coalition  (IAC) stands with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) at a time when civil rights work is once again under pressure.  This week, the Department of Justice announced an 11-count indictment, charging the organization with  “manufacturing the extremism it purports to oppose by paying sources to stoke racial hatred,” and then hiding those payments.

The SPLC adamantly denies the charges. The IAC does not confuse accusation with proof, and we believe due process, truth, and accountability must guide public life.

The IAC believes the SPLC is a courageous champion of civil rights, which are defined as legally guaranteed protections and freedoms that ensure all individuals receive equal treatment and protection under the law, free from discrimination.  

The SPLC works in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.The mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and serve the public with integrity and impartiality. These missions are aligned and should not be in conflict with one another. Justice must be lived, not only stated. When civil rights organizations are targeted, the work of protecting communities from hate, discrimination, and extremism is weakened.

The Inclusion Allies Coalition is a coalition of organizations and practitioners committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our organizations and society. We exist to deepen understanding and advance just and humane practices across all differences.

We stand with SPLC, with civil rights defenders, and with all who refuse to be silenced. We call on our partners,  practitioners and the public to remain grounded in truth, to protect the work of justice, and to meet this moment with courage, clarity, and accountability.