SPLC article Source: http://www.harpers.org/archive/2010/03/hbc-90006753 "I also agreed to the invitation because, much like CIS, I feel that the Law Center is essentially a fraud and that it has a habit of casually labeling organizations as “hate groups.” (Which doesn’t mean that some of the groups it criticizes aren’t reprehensible.) In doing so, the SPLC shuts down debate, stifles free speech, and most of all, raises a pile of money, very little of which is used on behalf of poor people."

Change: "The SPLC maintains a list of hate groups defined as groups that "...have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics." It says that hate group activities may include speeches, marches, rallies, meetings, publishing, leafleting, and criminal acts such as violence. It says not all groups so listed by the SPLC engage in criminal activity."

To: "The SPLC maintains a list of hate groups which it defines as having "beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics." Hate group activities may include speeches, marches, rallies, meetings, publishing, leafleting, and criminal acts such as violence. However, the SPLC has noted that not all of the groups listed engage in criminal activity.

The hate group list and criteria have been criticized by Harper's Magazine (Washington Times too?), claiming that "it has a habit of casually labeling organizations as "hate groups" [which] shuts down debate, stifles free speech, and most of all, raises a pile of money, very little of which is used on behalf of poor people." (cite Harper's Magazine)

The Southern Poverty Law Center is listed under the(...etc)"