Famous civil rights group suffers from 'systemic culture of racism and sexism,' staffers say https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/29/us/splc-leadership-crisis/index.html Some employees at the Southern Poverty Law Center say the legendary civil rights nonprofit group suffers from a "systemic culture of racism and sexism within its workplace." The SPLC, which has been on the front line of the fight against racial inequality and injustice in the United States since 1971, has been thrust into chaos after allegations over its treatment of minority and female employees. The claims have been followed by changes in its leadership and a company-wide review CNN spoke with three current employees of the organization who talked on condition of anonymity because of fears over possible retribution. It was one of those employees who cited the systemic problems with racism and sexism, and a second employee agreed with that assessment. The Alabama-based activist group is nationally known for tracking civil rights abuses and hate crimes, while preaching tolerance. The group established itself as a crusading force by fighting racism and exposing extremist groups, taking many cases pro bono. A famed civil rights activist, the late Julian Bond, was the group's first president. But one of the employees who spoke to CNN alleged the organization suffers from a "pervasive racist culture" and an environment in which a woman is not seen or heard. She also said qualified African-American employees were regularly passed over for promotions -- including one African-American colleague she describes as brilliant. She added, "My boss only hires white people." The employee described the current upheaval at the SPLC as a revolution against the organization's leadership, "initiated by employees" because workers were "tired of seeing the pervasive culture exist" unchallenged by those in charge. The SPLC fired co-founder Morris Dees on March 13 and launched a top-to-bottom external review of workplace culture, headed by former Michelle Obama chief-of-staff Tina Tchen. The organization said Dees had previously been disciplined after a prior investigation into "inappropriate conduct." It would not elaborate on the nature of that conduct. SPLC President Richard Cohen issued this statement on Dees' dismissal: "When one of our own fails to meet those standards, no matter his or her role in the organization, we take it seriously and must take appropriate action." Last week, Cohen himself stepped down after more than 30 years with the center, saying his departure would help the SPLC move forward. "We've heard from our staff that we need to do a better job of making sure that our workplace embodies the values we espouse -- truth, justice, equity, and inclusion," Cohen said in a statement. The SPLC continues to go through upheaval, with its legal director abruptly resigning in recent days. She would not comment when contacted by CNN. One employee said of Cohen's departure, "Employees asked the president to step down. He didn't do anything to change the culture, and he left because of it." CNN reached out multiple times on Monday to Dees and Cohen about the workplace allegations. They have not returned our messages. When initially asked about his termination, Dees told CNN it wasn't his decision to leave SPLC. "It's a very fine group. I've devoted 50 years of my life to the center. I wish them the very best," Dees said. He would not elaborate on how he learned about his dismissal or the reasoning behind it. He only said that he "can let (his) life's work and reputation speak for itself." In the past few years, Dees said, he mostly went to the center to make calls to big donors. (Much more at above url)
It's about the money. As actual racism and sexism are in steep decline the need for organizations such as the SPLC are in decline as well. What to do? Broaden the definition of racism and sexism, that's what. Viola, hate crimes are suddenly on the increase. No surprise now that everything under the sun is considered a hate crime. All is well, keep those donations coming. People gots to eat.
Of course the center running this scam is one of the most blatant examples of a 'systemic culture of racism and sexism' in the United States.