A Live YouTube Panel Event · Pacific Justice Institute
ExposingThe SPLC
The Record · Case File 01
The organization that monitors "hate" must answer for its own record.
The Southern Poverty Law Center built its reputation fighting racial discrimination and violent white supremacist organizations. News organizations, government agencies, technology companies, and donors began treating its classifications as authoritative.
The SPLC now uses that influence to place Pacific Justice Institute and other Christian organizations on its public "Hate Map." PJI rejects that designation. Defending constitutional rights through lawful advocacy is not hatred.
The SPLC's own conduct now faces federal scrutiny. A second superseding indictment alleges that donated funds were secretly directed to individuals associated with violent extremist groups.
Notice regarding federal charges: The federal charges discussed on this page are allegations contained in indictments. An indictment is not evidence of guilt. The SPLC and all individual defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The SPLC denies wrongdoing and maintains that the payments supported an informant program intended to combat violent extremism.
Live Panel Will Cover · Exhibits 01–06
Who the SPLC Is
How a civil rights law firm founded in 1971 became one of the country's most influential private authorities on "hate" and extremism.
How Its Mission Changed
From courtroom victories against the Klan to an expansive labeling system — including the $3.375M Nawaz settlement and the 2019 removal of co-founder Morris Dees.
How the "Hate Map" Targets Christians
Why the SPLC placed PJI and other ministries alongside violent extremist organizations — and the real consequences of a public "hate group" label.
What Federal Prosecutors Now Allege
The pending criminal case alleges more than $4M in concealed payments to people associated with the KKK, Aryan Nations, and other violent extremist organizations.
The Letter Ryan Haygood Did Not Answer
Brad Dacus asked the SPLC's new president to reconcile his profession of faith with labeling Christian ministries hateful. The invitation remains unanswered.
What This Means for Christian Organizations
How the SPLC's labels affect credibility, media coverage, fundraising, and security — closing with questions from the live audience.
Core Position · This panel places the SPLC's history, standards, finances, and leadership under public examination.
The New Face of the SPLC
When "justice" excludes Christians.
Ryan P. Haygood publicly identifies as a Christian and became the SPLC's president and CEO in August 2026. He inherited an organization that classifies PJI and certain other Christian nonprofits as "hate groups." PJI has asked whether he will retain, defend, or reconsider those classifications. His public profile describes him as "saved by God's grace," and he has publicly quoted Micah 6:8. Those statements invite a fair examination of how the SPLC's classifications align with the biblical principles he publicly embraces.
From the desk of Brad Dacus · President & Founder, PJI
Brad Dacus sent Haygood a public letter asking whether he will defend, revise, or remove the SPLC's classifications of PJI and certain other Christian ministries. As of September 2026, PJI has received no response. The invitation remains open.
Evidence & Resources · Public Record
PJI's Open Letter to Ryan P. Haygood
Brad Dacus challenges the SPLC's new president to defend its accusations against PJI and other Christian ministries.
April 2026 Federal Indictment
The Department of Justice's announcement of the original 11-count indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center.
August 2026 Superseding Indictment
Adds a defendant and charges, alleging more than $4M directed to people associated with violent extremist groups, 2007–2023.
Southern Poverty Law Center Response to Federal Indictment
The SPLC denies the allegations and maintains that the challenged payments supported an informant program intended to combat violent extremism.
Pacific Justice Institute Profile
The SPLC's own explanation for labeling PJI and other Christian organizations as "hate groups."
Panelists · On the Record
Panelists to be announced soon
Join the live panel and examine the record
Do not let the SPLC define Christian conviction as hate without scrutiny.
Live panel begins Tuesday, December 1 · 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET
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