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Published by the Southern Poverty Law Center Winter 2018 Fighting Hate • Teaching Tolerance • Seeking Justice Volume 48, Number 4

A Year-End Report Fighting hate and injustice in Trump era

By Richard Cohen Here’s a look at some of our campaign he launched against Silicon Valley companies like classmate of white nationalist and achievements this year and a a Jewish woman named Tanya PayPal to kick hate groups off their leader Richard Spencer. preview of the challenges we’re Gersh in Montana. She en- internet platforms – cutting off Both Sessions and Miller were We hope you’re as proud as we anticipating in 2019. dured months of harassment their primary source of funding. architects of the administra- are of the progress we achieved We’re currently engaged in after Anglin mobilized an army And it’s not just hate group tion’s cruel immigration policies. this year. With your help, we a court battle that could have a of internet followers to launch a funding that’s at stake. Hate We’ve launched an ambi- won justice for vulnerable peo- lasting impact and limit the abil- “troll storm” against her. groups use the internet to re- tious initiative to provide legal ple in our nation’s courts, helped ity of hatemongers to use the Tanya and her family received cruit new members. And, recent representation, at no cost, to children reject prejudice in our internet to terrorize people. hundreds of vicious emails, texts, studies show that online hate fu- immigrants who are being nation’s schools, and fought phone calls and els real-world violence. swept up across the country back against the hate and xeno- messages on social We’re constantly pressuring and thrown into prisons in the phobia unleashed by President media – threats internet companies like Deep South, often in horrible, Trump in communities across that included and Facebook to stop the spread inhumane conditions. VALERIE DOWNES VALERIE the country. MICHELLE LELAND horrifying imag- of demonizing propaganda on Because of your support, None of this would have been es invoking the their platforms. And we’ll keep we’ve been able to expand our possible without the support of Holocaust. up the pressure in 2019. operations in an incredibly short people like you. We are grateful Our lawsuit period. We’ve established legal that you stood with us this year. sends a message to Countering hate offices at five of the largest immi- Now that we’re nearly two hatemongers who in the White House grant prisons in remote areas of years into the Trump presiden- Morris Dees Richard Cohen encourage violence As concerned as we are about the Deep South, and we’re pro- cy, two things are absolutely and harrassment. the spread of hate groups online, viding vital support to six others. clear: The president’s words and We’re suing , We won key court rulings in we’re even more alarmed about We’ve even had to sue the actions reflect the that one of the most notorious our case this year (see page 4). the hate in the White House. Trump administration for erect- was at the core of his campaign, neo-Nazi leaders in America. Now, we’re gearing up for a feder- Trump is systematically put- ing barriers that keep us from and we should expect more of He was one of the promoters of al trial in 2019. ting the white nationalist agenda gaining access to the men and the same as long as he’s in office. the deadly white supremacist into action. women who need our help. The road ahead will be diffi- rally in Charlottesville – a racist Hitting hate in the pocketbook He has surrounded himself But we’ll do whatever it cult. But if we stick together, if who calls “Our We’re pioneering new strategies with far-right ideologues – peo- takes, because we’re a lifeline we don’t give in to cynicism and Glorious Leader.” to fight hate in the digital era. ple like former Attorney General for many good people who are in despair, we will prevail over the We’re determined to bring Over the past year, we’ve had Jeff Sessions and White House dark forces afoot in our country. Anglin to justice for the terror enormous success in pushing adviser Stephen Miller, a former Continued on page 8

SPLC strikes blow against Jim Crow in midterms IN THIS ISSUE TALLAHASSEE, Florida – federal government to allow of two states where a person required only nine of 12 guilty The SPLC and its allies won newly freed slaves to vote – and could be sent to prison – even votes for conviction, though the a landmark victory for voting fearful of a black majority in the for life – with just 10 of 12 jurors state previously had required a a a a rights in Florida and a key crim- sparsely populated state – the agreeing to a guilty verdict. unanimous verdicts. Since 1974, inal justice reform in Louisiana framers devised the law to dis- Now, Oregon is the only state 10 votes have been required. America rejects on Nov. 6, as voters in those enfranchise them. that allows non-unanimous Louisiana has historically had extremism in states swept aside two Jim criminal verdicts. the nation’s highest incarceration midterm elections Crow-era laws intended to dis- Legislative victories The roots of Louisiana’s law rate. The SPLC last year success- enfranchise and criminalize The state had previously en- go back to the constitution it fully pushed major criminal justice PAGE 2 African Americans. acted its “Black Codes,” laws adopted in 1898. Then, the law reforms through the legislature. The SPLC invested heavily in that made it easy to pin seri- advertising, mail, and canvassing ous criminal charges on African a a a a in those states to educate voters Americans. Because of system- SPLC launches about the proposed constitu- ic in the justice Action Fund for

tional amendments and to turn system, the law is still having its ANDREWS HILLARY out the vote. intended effect: About one-fifth legislative battles “These are historic reforms of all black adults in the state PAGE 4 that strip away racist laws de- can’t vote. signed in the wake of the Civil The amendment, which goes War to maintain a white su- into effect in January, garnered a a a a premacist regime,” said SPLC about 65 percent of the vote, President Richard Cohen. topping the 60 percent it need- “We’re proud to have played a ed to be enacted. Now, the SPLC role in helping voters under- will be involved in efforts to get stand what was at stake – and these newly enfranchised peo- thrilled with the outcome.” ple registered in time to vote In Florida, Amendment 4 in 2020. overturns a law barring 1.4 mil- In Louisiana, voters over- SPLC victory lion people from voting because turned another Jim Crow relic of previous felony convictions. by passing Amendment 2, which in neo-Nazi case Curtis Davis is an outreach paralegal with the Southern Poverty Law Center who The ban has been in effect requires jury verdicts in criminal played a major role in successfully advocating for the unanimous jury ballot initiative PAGE 4 since the state rewrote its con- trials to be unanimous. Before in Louisiana. Davis’ work fundamentally changed criminal justice in the state by stitution in 1868. Forced by the the vote, Louisiana was just one preventing unfair convictions via a racist law created during the Jim Crow era. 2 SPLC REPORT // WWW.SPLCENTER.ORG WINTER 2018

A MESSAGE FROM SPLC PRESIDENT RICHARD COHEN SPLC REPORT Published by the Southern Poverty Law Center WINTER 2018 America rejecting extremism The Southern Poverty In 2004, the journalist stop Muslims from entering the was already secretary of state Trump tweeted that Brat was Law Center is dedicated to Thomas Frank published a high- country, deport millions of un- in Kansas, is one of the leading “strong on the border” and had fighting hate and bigotry ly insightful book about the state documented immigrants and proponents of voter suppres- his “Total Endorsement.” Other and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable of politics in America called build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico sion measures. hardline nativists were defeat- members of our society. What’s the Matter with Kansas? border. He drew from the same Trump chose him to lead his ed, as well. Using litigation, education, He described how right-wing playbook this year. “voter fraud” commission – the After losing the House, and other forms of politicians had exploited cultur- He sent thousands of troops one that disbanded after not Trump claimed that numerous advocacy, the SPLC al issues like same-sex marriage to the border to intercept a car- producing a shred of evidence GOP incumbents lost because works toward the day and abortion to such effect that avan of asylum-seekers and to support Trump’s lies about they didn’t “embrace” him – and when the ideals of they had placed a stranglehold warned voters that millions of peo- that people like Rep. , equal justice and equal opportunity will be a on a state once known for its Democrats wanted ple voting illegally an congressman known for reality. The SPLC also progressive populism. to make America for Democrats. his incendiary anti-immigrant sponsors the Civil Rights The sad truth, Frank posit- “a giant sanctuary “He’s as close remarks, won their races be-

Memorial, which honors ed, was that Kansas voters were city for drug deal- MICHELLE LELAND to Trump as poli- cause they stayed close to him. the memory of individuals locked in a self-defeating spiral, ers, predators and tics get in Kansas who died during the civil enthralled by politicians whose bloodthirsty MS- and this was very Have we turned the corner? rights movement. economic policies were bringing 13 killers.” much a pro- ver- Trump has it backwards. Yes, EXECUTIVE EDITOR them ruin. But something sus anti-Trump some hardliners won re-elec- Booth Gunter Of course, the book wasn’t unexpected hap- race,” Kansas im- tion, but most analysts read MANAGING EDITOR just about Kansas. Frank used pened on election migration attorney the Democratic takeover of the Christine Harrison his native state to illustrate night: Rays of hope Matthew Hoppock House as a clear repudiation of STAFF WRITERS what was happening across vast, shined in Kansas. told Bloomberg. Trump and his toxic politics. Richard Cohen Brad Bennett mainly rural, regions of America. “He made it known Have we turned the cor- Jamie Kizzire After he wrote the book, Kris Kobach loses race he’s an immigration guy, but vot- ner? Are voters finally saying Will Tucker Kansas politics grew even more Voters in that ruby red state re- ers made it clear there are issues “enough” to the Trump style of Liz Vinson extreme. America trended in the jected far-right gubernatorial that matter more.” fearmongering and paranoia? SENIOR DESIGNER same direction. Today, it’s the candidate Kris Kobach, a close While Kobach was losing in It’s too early to say. Trump Scott Phillips fear of immigrants that’s being Trump ally who has longtime Kansas, Democrats were retak- has exploited a powerful back- FOUNDERS exploited by many conserva- ties to white nationalists and ing control of the U.S. House of lash to the demographic and Morris Dees & tives. Exhibit A is the man in the who was the architect of dra- Representatives. Among those cultural changes in our country. Joseph J. Levin Jr. White House. conian anti-immigrant laws who lost congressional seats But he didn’t create it. PRESIDENT & CEO President Trump won the enacted in a number of states. was Rep. David Brat, a Tea Party Still, the last election showed J. Richard Cohen White House two years ago after The upset in Kansas was a icon in Virginia and a staunch that maybe – just maybe – we’re INTELLIGENCE PROJECT DIRECTOR a campaign that electrified white victory for not only decency but supporter of Trump’s immigra- not in Kansas anymore. Maybe Heidi Beirich nationalists with his promise to democracy as well. Kobach, who tion policies. even Kansas isn’t. OUTREACH DIRECTOR Lecia Brooks LEGAL DIRECTOR MAILBOX Rhonda Brownstein TEACHING TOLERANCE DIRECTOR My city in Michigan is the when another layer of corrup- adorn his reusable water bot- have said. What you said was Maureen Costello home of a growing Muslim tion and abuse is uncovered. tle but also clipped and taped that you would no longer list DESIGN DIRECTOR community, and several have Thank you all for what you do. the “What You Can Do” ideas [Donald Trump’s] name in Russell Estes moved into our small condo You are my super heroes! to promote tolerance and fight the honoree’s section. What complex. They are hard-work- C.L. hate. Thank you for the amaz- we would have said was to DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ing, entrepreneurial neighbors San Diego, California ing work you do! send that person’s gift back Viet Dang who are very focused on fami- D.T. to them with a note stating ly connections. Those who are My mother was a staunch Sacramento, California that you do not accept any CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER friends have expressed real supporter of your cause and donation from someone who Ed Lord fear with our current political all that you stood for. She I am constantly amazed by supports a bigot among other DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES climate. My hope is that dedi- carried her membership card your inciteful analysis. What things. I believe that sends a Twyla Williams cated lawyers nationwide will proudly and was never afraid a service you provide pre- stonger message. BOARD OF DIRECTORS keep our legal system strong, to stand up for the cause. I serving American values in a J. & M. W. Bryan Fair, Chair independent, and a bulwark hope that her membership time of repressive leadership. Hilton Head, South Carolina Bennett Grau, Vice Chair against the current tide of big- and support over the years Congratulations to all at SPLC Karen Baynes-Dunning Jocelyn Benson otry and hate. Thanks to Elden has helped you, even if only for defending us, informing us Thank you and everyone at the Pam Horowitz Rosenthal for his article em- in a small way. She believed and reminding us that the fight Southern Poverty Law Center Marsha Levick phasizing the importance of vehemently in the equality is endless. for all you do every day to fight William Little constant vigilance. of all, and the respect for all R.B. the hatred in our country. It’s Rafael Lopez D.A. human beings on the planet. Folly Beach, South Carolina sad to say that so much of the Howard Mandell Dearborn Heights, Michigan Carry on! And thank you for hatred and lies come from the James McElroy Lida Orzeck letting my mother be a part of Just want to say thank you to top at the White House. I ap- Elden Rosenthal Thank you all for your cou- your cause. each and every one of you. The preciate that you folks are Ellen Sudow rageous and effective fight B.H. work you do is paramount to out there fighitng for what We welcome letters from against racism, hate and intol- Wausau, Wisconsin the future of our country and America is supposed to stand all Southern Poverty Law erance. This year my husband world. Thank you so much, for. Thanks again and all the Center supporters. Send your was able to attend your pre- Thank you for keeping me in you give me hope and a breath best to you! comments and suggestions sentation in Portland with the loop but especially thank of fresh air. That’s just what I M.B. to: Editor, SPLC Report, 400 Washington Avenue, me, and we both feel that your you for paying attention and need so I can get back to my lit- Glassboro, New Jersey Montgomery AL 36104 or fax organization is doing such out- acting on my behalf to pro- tle portion of influence. to 334-956-8488. Send email standing work to protect and tect what is good about our M.B. During the coverage of the hor- to [email protected]. preserve the rule of law in our democratic society. Jupiter, Florida rific hate crime in Pittsburgh, I All letters are assumed to T.C. be intended for publication struggling democracy. was encouraged to see Richard unless otherwise noted. M.J. & B.R. Great Barrington, In the fall 2018 Volume 48, Cohen interviewed and the © 2018 Southern Poverty Portland, Oregon Massachusetts Number 3 issue of the SPLC SPLC cited as an authorita- Law Center, Inc. No part Report in the Mailbox sec- tive source of such activity of this publication may be I think you all are trying your My husband is a law enforce- tion, there was a letter from around the nation. Proud to transmitted or reproduced best every day to save our de- ment training officer and as he M.O. from Bodega, California, be a supporter and so admire by any means without permission. All rights mocracy from those who would was getting his bag ready for to- with which we totally agree. your courage. reserved. Printed on recycled steal it from us. I am so deep- morrow, I noticed he not only However, in your editor’s H.D. paper in the USA. ly troubled every single day used his new SPLC sticker to note was not what we would Potomac, Maryland WWW.SPLCENTER.ORG WINTER 2018 3

Far-right violence erupts INTELLIGENCE BRIEFS brawl after Virginia and the larger ral- event in New York City ly in Charlottesville the next in run-up to midterms NEW YORK CITY – Members day in which anti-racist coun- of the hate group Proud Boys terprotester Heather Heyer Following the deadly at- During the same week, a Rodger has since become a clashed with anti-fascist was killed. tack that left 11 people dead at man who reportedly identifies hero to radicalized men who protesters after a speech by a Pittsburgh synagogue in late as a white supremacist mailed call themselves “” – or “in- the group’s far-right found- White supremacist’s home October, the SPLC was able to pipe bombs to high-profile peo- voluntary celibates” – and view er, Gavin McInnes, at the raided; 48 guns found obtain archives of the alleged ple Trump has criticized. The themselves as victims of women Metropolitan Republican DEMOTTE, Ind. – Drugs shooter’s online posts. What suspect, Cesar Sayoc, 56, traf- who deny them sex. Club on Oct. 12. and nearly 50 firearms were emerged was a sketch of someone ficked in conspiracy theories These incidents did not hap- The confrontation began found in September at the steeped in antisemitic conspiracy online, and those who know pen in a vacuum. after McInnes left the club home of a northwestern theories and far-right propaganda. him made clear that he was on the Upper East Side fol- Indiana man who authorities The synagogue massacre was deeply partisan. Escalated rhetoric lowing an appearance during say is a member of a white su- one of a series of terrorist at- In Florida, a man who idol- Trump, who has demonized his which he performed a come- premacist prison-based gang. tacks that occurred as President ized “” hero Elliot Rodger critics while promoting far-right dic routine that included the Ricky Shultz, 47, was ar- Trump escalated his incendiary killed two women at a yoga stu- conspiracy theories, ratcheted reenactment of the murder of rested Sept. 7 and charged rhetoric in the run-up to the dio on Nov. 2. The suspect, Scott up his extremist language in the a Japanese socialist. with possession with intent elections. Each of the perpe- Beierle, a 40-year-old resident weeks before the election. Earlier in the day, black- to distribute methamphet- trators shared an allegiance to of Deltona, Florida, expressed Trump said he wanted to clad protesters spray-painted amine. Authorities found far-right ideology that appar- misogynistic ideas online and end birthright citizenship with anti-fascist graffiti on doors guns, almost a quarter kilo- ently fueled the violence. likened himself to Rodger, who a presidential order and sent at the Republican club, gram of meth and a bullet murdered six people during a thousands of military personnel smashed windows and glued proof vest. Deadly violence rampage that targeted a sorori- locks with caulk. Shultz was identified in a The shooter in Pittsburgh shout- ty on his college campus in 2014. Continued on page 8 Police arrested anti-fas- criminal complaint as a senior ed “All Jews must die” before cist, or , protesters ranking member of the Saxon opening fire at the Tree of Life that night, and three days Knights organization, a pris- Synagogue on Oct. 27. It was the later said they were seeking on-based gang that originated single deadliest antisemitic at- Proud Boys supporters and in Indiana and espouses white tack in American history. After other protesters on riot and supremacist ideology. he was apprehended, Robert D. attempted assault charges.

Bowers, 46, said “that the Jews IMAGES PUSKAR/AP GENE J. Members of the Proud Four years prison for were committing to his Boys, formed during the mosque threat people,” according to the crimi- 2016 presidential campaign, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – nal complaint. frequently wear President A Florida man has been The next day, a white man Trump’s red MAGA hats and sentenced to four years in murdered two African Americans hold public rallies intended federal prison for phoning after trying to break into a black to provoke violence. McInnes bomb threats to a mosque. church in Kentucky. Police ar- claimed the brawl started af- Federal prosecutors say rested Gregory A. Bush, 51, ter he emerged from the club four threatening voice- shortly after the shooting. and hoisted the plastic samu- mail messages were left in “To think that an hour and a rai sword that he had used in May by Dustin Hughes, 26, half earlier, we had 70 people in his skit. “That’s when they who has previously plead- Markers outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh stand in remembrance of [there],” said a church member Sylvan and Bernice Simon, Daniel Stein, Melvin Wax and Irving Younger, who were hurled a bottle of urine at ed guilty to the hate crime of who saw Bush bang on and pull killed by a white supremacist, along with six others, while they worshipped on Oct. me,” he said. obstructing free exercise of the door as he tried to get inside. 27. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. re- religious beliefs. ported that surveillance video from a nearby apart- Burning death suspect FIGHTING HATE ment showed a man in a red linked to hat throwing the first punch MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A Trump’s immigration policy comes after a protester threw a plas- prisoner’s letter, intercepted tic bottle toward the Proud by officials in the Rutherford Boys. Other videos show County jail on Sept. 4, ap- straight from hate group’s playbook groups of Proud Boys beat- pears to shed light on a ing and kicking a protester motive in the fatal burning of The Trump administration enlisting local law enforcement Act – a bill that, as The New York who had been knocked down a black man earlier this year. announced a new immigration in immigration enforcement. Times describes, would “slash to the sidewalk. According to the policy proposal that prevents Federal law already requires legal immigration to the United Murfreesboro Daily News people who rely on public assis- individuals seeking green cards States in half within a decade by Four men indicted on Journal, the letter indicates tance benefits from acquiring to prove they will not be a burden, sharply curtailing the ability of Charlottesville charges that John Daniel Carothers, green cards. but this new rule includes benefits American citizens and legal res- CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – 53, was motivated by his It’s a policy move that mirrors like food assistance and Section idents to bring family members A federal grand jury indicted white supremacist beliefs one anti-immigrant hate group’s 8 housing vouchers for the first into the country.” four California men on con- when he killed 40-year-old “wish list,” released in 2016. time. The change affects not just In September 2017, The New spiracy and rioting charges Robert Miller at the Veterans No. 60 on that list reads: individuals seeking legal status, York Times reported that Miller on Oct. 2 in connection with Affairs assisted living home “Make use of the public charge but their families and children. likely censored data illustrating the torch-lit march and white where the men lived. doctrine to reduce the number of the economic benefits of refugee supremacist rally that led to In a letter to the American welfare-dependent foreigners liv- Not a coincidence resettlement in the U.S. deadly violence in Virginia Institute of Theology, which ing in the United States.” White House ties to nativist hate The Department of Health last year. is affiliated with the antise- The myth that immigrants groups run deep. and Human Services reported U.S. Attorney Thomas mitic drain government benefits has Trump adviser Stephen that over the last decade, refu- Cullen’s office announced movement, Carothers wrote long been promoted by the Center Miller, the architect of many of gees brought in $63 million more the indictment a week af- that “I believe The Bible is for Immigration Studies (CIS) and the administration’s anti-immi- than it cost to take them in. The ter the four were arrested. about White People and for other anti-immigrant hate groups. grant and anti-refugee policies, Times wrote that Miller “per- Prosecutors say the men White People,” adding that “I The new policy wasn’t the has used misleading statistics sonally intervened” to exclude were members of the Rise am in Rutherford County Jail only one drawn straight from from CIS to defend policy moves. that data from the administra- Above Movement, a white su- for burning a black man I set CIS’ wish list. In February 2017, Miller cit- tion’s report. Secretary of State premacist group that trains in him on fire with lighter fluid It also includes policies ed a CIS report that claimed 72 Mike Pompeo announced on fighting techniques. poured on his head.” – all adopted by the Trump ad- terrorists originally came from Sept. 17, 2018, that the country They are accused of com- Prosecutors were deter- ministration – like detaining countries covered under the will admit, at most, 30,000 ref- mitting violent acts during mining whether to add a hate people who legally seek asylum Muslim ban. He also cited CIS ugees – the lowest refugee cap the Aug. 11, 2017, nighttime crime enhancement to the in the United States, punishing in August 2017 when answer- since passage of the Refugee Act march at the University of murder charge. so-called sanctuary cities and ing questions about the RAISE of 1980. 4 SPLC REPORT // WWW.SPLCENTER.ORG WINTER 2018

SPLC launches Action Fund in TODD BIGELOW TODD response to Trump court-packing MONTGOMERY, Ala. – lobby lawmakers and to speak and will support the organi- The SPLC has launched a new out against candidates with ties zation’s research, litigation, initiative – the SPLC Action to the radical right. advocacy and public education Fund – to give the organization The SPLC Action Fund, with a efforts. Gifts to the SPLC Action greater flexibility under feder- different tax status, changes that. Fund will be used to engage in al law to engage in the electoral legislative battles at every lev- process and critical legislative Two ways to help el of government and to support battles, and to support import- The SPLC will continue fighting critical ballot initiatives. These ant ballot initiatives. hate groups, teaching tolerance gifts are not tax-deductible. Mix It Up at Lunch Day As President Trump stacks to the next generation and rep- “However you choose to The SPLC’s Teaching Tolerance project celebrated its 17th year of helping the federal judiciary with high- resenting victims of bigotry and support the SPLC, your dona- students break down stereotypes with its annual Mix It Up at Lunch Day ly partisan judges like Brett injustice. In fact, the organiza- tion will go toward the same campaign, which encourages students to identify, question and cross social Kavanaugh who threaten the mission of creating a boundaries. The event takes place in October of each year and focuses on rights of marginalized and vul- “We have to adapt ... the nation where the ide- cafeterias because that’s where social boundaries are most obvious. nerable people, it’s become clear als of equal justice and the SPLC must expand its efforts very foundations of our equal opportunity are into the political arena – primar- a reality for all,” Cohen Key victory in Louisiana ily in support or opposition to democracy are being tested said. “But we have to legislative activity at the state adapt to the Trump and federal levels. by far-right extremism.” era – because the very public defender reform effort “Clearly, we can’t give up on the foundations of our de- BATON ROUGE, La. – A with workloads of this magni- courts,” SPLC President Richard tion is redoubling these efforts mocracy are being tested by the Louisiana court has certified an tude, and it is the poor of this Cohen said. “We must continue in the coming year to push back forces of far-right extremism. SPLC lawsuit challenging the state who suffer for it.” speaking truth to power and rep- against Trump and his white “Kavanaugh’s confirmation state’s overburdened public de- The SPLC filed the law- resent those who have no other nationalist policies. was obviously a setback. But fender system as a class action, suit in February 2017 with the champions. But, now more than The only difference for sup- we’ve won numerous battles meaning decisions in the case will Lawyers’ Committee for Civil ever, we must expand the fight for porters is that there are now two against far-right apply statewide – a major step to- Rights Under Law and two justice to multiple fronts.” ways to contribute. Donations in the last year. And, I’m confi- ward reforming the system and prominent law firms: Davis, The SPLC’s longtime tax to the Southern Poverty Law dent we’ll win many more in the combating mass incarceration. Polk & Wardwell LLP and Jones status has limited its ability to Center remain tax-deductible years ahead.” The class action certification Walker LLP. is an unequivocal statement by the Louisiana judiciary that it Agreement found will not turn a blind eye to the in- unconstitutional Key ruling in SPLC case: Court rejects adequacies of a funding scheme In a separate case, a Louisiana that relies primarily on court appeals court has upheld a lower neo-Nazi’s First Amendment defense fines and fees imposed on poor court’s ruling that it is unconsti- people for traffic tickets and oth- tutional for the DeSoto Parish MISSOULA, Montana – A fed- distress. It also outlines how his in Whitefish after residents of er minor offenses. district attorney’s office to fund eral judge has rejected neo-Nazi campaign violated the Montana the town planned to protest her The lawsuit, which argues that the cash-strapped public de- leader Andrew Anglin’s attempt Anti-Intimidation Act. son’s activities at the site. the state’s public defender system fender’s office with money from to dismiss an SPLC lawsuit seek- Anglin and Spencer are both fails to protect the rights of people a pretrial diversion program. ing to hold him accountable for ‘Let’s Hit Em Up’ prominent leaders of the “alt- who cannot afford to hire a law- The ruling issued in September orchestrating a campaign of ter- Anglin operates a website called right” movement, and Anglin yer, is set for trial in January. by the 2nd Circuit Court of ror against a Jewish woman and , which takes helped promote the deadly “For decades, the state has al- Appeal found that the agree- her family in Montana. its name from the Nazi propa- “Unite ” white suprem- lowed the public defense system ment between the DeSoto Parish Anglin claimed in court ganda sheet Der Stürmer and is acist rally in Charlottesville, to be underfunded and unmon- district attorney’s office and the filings that he was simply ex- the leading white supremacist Virginia, in August 2017. itored,” said Lisa Graybill, SPLC DeSoto Parish public defend- ercising his free speech rights web forum in the country. “Tell them you are sickened deputy legal director. “This er’s office violated constitutional when he incited a virtual army of by their Jew agenda,” Anglin statewide problem demands a provisions that guarantee con- online followers to harass Tanya wrote under the headline “Jews statewide solution.” flict-free legal counsel. Gersh, a real estate agent living Targeting Richard Spencer’s The court rejected argu- The U.S. Constitution effective- in Whitefish. Mother for Harassment and DAILY STORMER DAILY ments by Louisiana Gov. John ly prohibits the district attorney’s Extortion – TAKE ACTION!” Bel Edwards, the state public de- office from helping to fund the Case will proceed to trial The post included Gersh’s fender and the Louisiana Public defense of people it is also pros- The Gersh family, including contact information. It also in- Defender Board that sought to ecuting, the court ruled, adding Tanya’s 12-year-old son, received cluded photographs of Gersh, lay blame for the public defend- that the agreement also violated hundreds of intimidating and her husband and son. One was er system’s failure solely on the a professional rule requiring the threatening messages, including altered to include a yellow Star state Legislature. public defender to use “indepen- emails, phone calls and post- of David with the label “Jude” – dent or professional judgment.” cards, over a period of months. an allusion to the emblem the The poor are suffering most The ruling notes that the SPLC Chief Judge Dana L. Nazi regime required Jews to Instead, the ruling recognizes and the ACLU of Louisiana filed a Christensen of the U.S. District wear during World War II. that Edwards is ultimately re- friend-of-the-court brief in sup- Court in Montana accepted a sponsible for ensuring that the port of an earlier judge’s order magistrate’s earlier recommen- Antisemitic hate, death threats state meets its constitutional stating that the agreement violates dation and ruled against Anglin Anglin launched his campaign obligation. It further recogniz- the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee on Nov. 14. The ruling means the with these words: “Let’s Hit Em es that the failure affects all poor of a fair and impartial trial. case will proceed to trial. Up. Are y’all ready for an old defendants in the state. “This ruling is a positive and “This important ruling un- A judge has agreed with the SPLC that fashioned Troll Storm? Because neo-Nazi Andrew Anglin’s “troll storm” Earlier in 2018, the Louisiana reassuring development,” said derscores what both we and our against a Jewish woman in Montana in AYO – it’s that time, fam.” Public Defender Board issued Micah West, staff attorney for client have said from the begin- 2016 was not protected speech. One message received by an annual report in which Chief the SPLC. “As the appeals court ning of this case – that online Gersh included an image of her Public Defender Jay Dixon ac- affirmed, when the district at- campaigns of hate, threats, and In December 2016, Anglin being sprayed with a green gas, knowledged the breakdown of torney’s office serves as both intimidation have no place in a published dozens of articles along with the words: Hickory the system. adversary and financial patron civil society and enjoy no pro- urging his followers to launch dickory dock, the kike ran up the “The workload of our attor- to the public defender’s office, it tection under our Constitution,” a “troll storm” targeting Gersh, clock. The clock struck three and neys is almost five times what violates the Sixth Amendment. said David Dinielli, the SPLC at- who he accused of trying to ex- the Internet Nazis trolls gassed it should be,” the report said. The public defender’s office has torney leading the case. tort money from the mother of the rest of them. “Public defenders in Louisiana a duty to operate independently The suit accuses Anglin of white nationalist leader Richard There were also phone calls cannot possibly provide constitu- and advocate zealously for indi- invading Gersh’s privacy and in- Spencer. Gersh had offered to that consisted only of the sound tionally adequate representation gent defendants.” tentionally inflicting emotional help the woman sell a building of gunshots. WWW.SPLCENTER.ORG WINTER 2018 5 SPLC investigation reveals racial disparities in Ala. arrests for possession of marijuana MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An enforcement has created a crip- legalize marijuana for recre- 10 or more times as likely as marijuana – all because he SPLC investigation has found pling backlog at the state agency ational use – as nine states and white people to be charged with couldn’t come up with the $250 that black people are four times that analyzes forensic evidence the District of Columbia have marijuana possession. he needed to post bond. The as likely as white people to be ar- in all criminal cases, including done – or at the very least de- “Alabama should follow the county’s estimated cost of im- rested for marijuana possession violent crimes. criminalize the possession of lead of other states that have re- prisoning him: $22,000. in Alabama, even though studies “Alabama continues to shoot small amounts. alized marijuana prohibition is Kiasha Hughes, a 27-year- show people of both races smoke itself in the pocketbook with More than half of all self-defeating and counterpro- old black woman, dreamed of it at roughly the same rates. harsh, outdated laws that cre- Americans now live in states ductive,” Graybill said. “We’re becoming a medical assistant The study – Alabama’s ate needless suffering for its where recreational or medici- draining scarce resources and but becauase of her offense four War on Marijuana: Assessing residents, particularly for black nal use is legal. driving people further into years ago she works at a poultry the Fiscal and Human Toll of people who are still living with But in Alabama, a marijua- poverty – and there’s no public plant for $12 an hour. In addition Criminalization – is the first the legacy of Jim Crow,” said na arrest can have life-altering safety benefit. Even Mississippi to expensive child care for her of its kind to examine the fis- Lisa Graybill, deputy legal direc- consequences. A person caught has decriminalized small young children, she has to pay with only a few grams can face amounts of marijuana.” $90 a month for probation and incarceration and thousands of court costs – money that would dollars in fines and court fees. There is a practical solution put more food on the table.

KRISTIE EILAND KRISTIE They can also lose their driver’s The report tells the stories of Meanwhile, as Alabama con- license – a necessity for most several Alabamians whose lives tinues to harshly punish people working adults in Alabama – and have been turned upside down like Shelton and Hughes, le- have difficulty finding a job or by marijuana arrests. gal-marijuana states are reaping getting financial aid for college. Wesley Shelton, a 56-year- economic and fiscal windfalls The state’s laws also place old black man, was incarcerated while seeing reductions in enormous discretion in the in a county jail for 15 months drunken-driving arrests and no hands of law enforcement offi- after being charged with a fel- evidence that legalization has cers, resulting in uneven justice ony for having $10 worth of jeopardized public safety. and leaving plenty of room for abuse. Officers, for example, 2.0% 7.5% can decide whether to charge 1.5% someone with a misdemeanor FIGURE 1 or a felony for a first offense. A NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARRESTED second offense is automatically IN ALABAMA 2012-2016 a felony. Convictions can later be used to send people to prison Possession (13,430) A pending felony charge for possessing marijuana forced Kiasha Hughes to abandon her dream for many years under the state’s of working in health care. Instead, she works the third shift at a poultry plant, deboning chicken Sale (1,139) while her children spend their nights at a child care facility. Habitual Offender Act. In one case this year, offi- 88.9% Smuggling/Trafficking (307) cal, public safety and human tor for the SPLC. “It’s past time cers charged a man with drug toll of marijuana prohibition to reform laws that perpetuate trafficking after adding the to- Production (233) in Alabama. discrimination.” tal weight of marijuana-infused The report, released in October, In 2016, the last year for butter to the few grams of mari- can be read at splcenter.org. which data were available, po- juana he possessed so they could FIGURE 2 lice in Alabama made 2,351 reach the 2.2-pound threshold Human toll is expensive marijuana possession arrests. for a trafficking charge. STATEWIDE MARIJUANA POSSESSION ARREST RATE PER 10,000 In addition to racial disparities, By comparison, they made 1,314 The study also identified Black Rate White Rate the study found that the state arrests for robbery, despite there pockets of the state where and its municipalities spend being 4,557 robberies that year. the racial disparities were 11 $22 million a year to enforce The SPLC will be pushing particularly stark. In seven ju- marijuana prohibition and that state lawmakers next year to risdictions, black people were 2.7 SPLC sues Trump administration over Arkansas work requirement SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – benefits unless he could show Ardon’s problems are the administration violated the U.S. District Judge James Cesar Ardon was a welder for 15 that he works at least 20 hours direct result of the Trump U.S. Constitution and federal E. Boasberg issued a summa- years before he had surgery last a week. Then, he got a notice administration’s backdoor at- Medicaid law when it approved ry judgment on June 29, ruling year to remove a baseball-sized telling him he hadn’t complied tempt to dismantle President the work requirement. that the Trump administra- tumor over his right ribs. for the month of June, and if he ’s Affordable “Medicaid is not a work or tion acted in an “arbitrary and Since then, he has relied on missed another two months his Care Act (ACA), under which computer literacy program,” capricious” manner by approv- Medicaid for treatment related coverage would end for the rest Medicaid access was expand- said Sam Brooke, SPLC deputy ing a plan that is antithetical to to his tumor and other health of the year. ed in 34 states. Arkansas was legal director. “It is a program to Medicaid’s very purpose. problems including arthritis, one of the states help people who cannot afford After the ruling, Kentucky vision issues, carpal tunnel and “I worry about getting sick that took advan- health insurance get the med- Gov. Matt Bevin retaliated, vow- high cholesterol. tage of the ACA and ical coverage to stay healthy. ing to drop dental and vision But now, because of a new and being unable to work and saw its uninsured Most of the people who are cov- services for Medicaid recipients. Trump administration policy, population drop ered by Medicaid in Arkansas He later reinstated that cover- he may soon lose his coverage. access health care if I lost my from 23 percent to already work, and those who age after the SPLC complained 10 percent. don’t are either children, have to the federal government. Medicaid isn’t a work program Medicaid coverage.” But the Trump a disability or are taking care of The SPLC is challenging the Since his surgery, Ardon, 40, administration en- family members.” Kentucky waiver package along has been working as a self-em- He met the work require- couraged states to adopt new with the National Health Law ployed handyman and has ment in July, but with spotty work requirements, and it ap- SPLC blocks Kentucky scheme Program and the Kentucky unpredictable work hours. internet access (sometimes he proved Arkansas’ plan last This is the second SPLC suit to Equal Justice Center. The law Sometimes, he gets up to 20 can’t afford his internet bill) March. Already, 4,600 low-in- challenge President Trump’s new firm Jenner & Block is working hours a week. But when the he was unable to log onto the come people in the state have Medicaid scheme. In June, an with the National Health Law work slows down – particular- state’s Medicaid online portal – lost their health coverage. Many SPLC legal challenge blocked Program in the Kentucky case. ly in the fall and winter – his the only place where work hours thousands more could meet the federal approval of Kentucky’s In Arkansas, the SPLC is work- hours dwindle. are accepted. When he eventual- same fate. plan to kick nearly 100,000 peo- ing with the National Health In 2018, Ardon was notified ly succeeded, he found the portal An SPLC lawsuit filed in ple off Medicaid with a similar Law Program and Legal Aid of that he would lose his Medicaid difficult to navigate. August claims the Trump work requirement. Arkansas. 6 SPLC REPORT // WWW.SPLCENTER.ORG WINTER 2018

TRIBUTE GIFTS RECEIVED BY THE SPLC FROM AUGUST 2018 OCTOBER 2018

In honor of In memory of Jeffrey Aaron Shay Farley Dennis Michael Lalor Pat Rogers Marvin H. Abrahamson Jay Friedman Daniel Lebron Murray Schneps Sharon Adelson Leslie Farrell Ron and Sharon Lance Rachel Oppenheimer and Herman Abrams Richard Friel Dan Leeson Lou Schroder Fawzia Afzal-Khan Dorothy Faust Peter Landweber Eric Rolfsen Barbara Ackerman Marshall Frumer Joyce Lemmond Ellie Schuermann Nolan Young and Rita Aguilar Davida Feder Angela Landy Leah Romond John Stefan Gaal, Jr. Sara Heckelman and Elie Aharon Riva Feshbach-Burgess John C. Lankenau Barbara Rose Robert Adler Philip Lempert Dennis Schulte Hilary Frink and Shea Beitler Akman Anne Figert Elizabeth P. Latt Sabrina Rose-Smith Rita Adrian Jay Gahagan Edwin S. Lennox David Schum David Alexander Barbara and Larry Fine McKenna Leaden Harold Rosen Anne M. Albright John S. Gale Mark Lerner Charles Andrew Scott Poppy Alexander Catherine Firpo Kate Scharff and Douglas Lederman Rona Rosen George Allister Toby Garten Richard Levesque Henry and Willie L. Scott Elizabeth Jambor and Deena Flanagan Drew Lefebvre Lily Rosenberg Martin Alvin James Geiser Elliot Lewis Anne Seeley Rhonda Alexander Judith and Kenneth Flaxman Lori Leibowitz Nora Apsel and Adam Rothbalt William D. Amis Marvin Gerber Sol Lewitton Elizabeth Segal Maria Alexiadis Matan Fliegel Robert Levin Philip Rubin Lee Andersen Melissa Gilcrest Sidney I. Liebowitz Robert Several Alice Cao and Eli Allen Bonnie Flynn Simmie Levine Todd and Robinann Rubinstein Patrick McCandless and Christine Blasey Ford Stanley Levine Kathy Russell Blane Anderson Herbert S. Goldberg Dave Long J. Peter Shannon Matthew Anderson Donna Foster Elissa Vinnik and Jessica Levy Sarah Saga Judy Anscombe Jackie Brin Goldberg Edward and Josephine Lopatto Michael F. Sheehan Megan Appelblom Glenda Goodman and Mitch Fraas Nancy and Barry Levy Martin Samuel Gary Antonoff Harriet Goldman Everett Loury Paschal C. Shelton, Jr Marie Ariel Arianna Pineiro and Lisa Frank Rachel Long and Kevin Li James W. Sandherr Alvin Leon Arnold Jeff W. Goldstein Hilda Lubin Joseph Shepler Tony Armas Zach Silver and Tamara Frankel Kristin Lieberman Betty Sayler Klaus Assion Patrick Fogarty and Victoria Luna Thelma Shiller Deborah Armstrong Aretha Franklin Reena Liebling Emma Banay and Dave Scanlon Marjorie Backus Mark Lundeen Carol Shocket Katherine Armstrong Alexa Fraser Jay Bender and Dominique Linchet Daniel H. Scherr Meyer Goldstein Richard and Betty Armstrong Bonnie Fray Jeanette Friedman Linder Nicole Kolinsky and Adam Schleifer Debra Weinstein Bakal Ramon Gonzales Jane E. Luton Robert Shulman Mr. and Mrs. Ira Aronin Lester Frazin Linda Linton Stanley and Jennie Schoenbaum Michael Baker Betty Pick Goodman Edith MacGuire Noah Siebeck-Smith Rita Z. Asch Henry Froshin Fran and Hank Lipowitz Herbert Schreier William Baker Martia Graham Goodson Benedicta Malcioln Kurt A. Siem Beth Ashkin Julian Quintanilla and Mort Lippman Gerald and Janet Schwartz Milner S. Ball Leslie Gordon Basil Mangano Rae and Jordan Silin Carol Stermer Aulicino Jaime Frydman Nancy and Mort Lippman Rebecca Scotka Karen Ballard Lois Gordon John Marcus Bernice and Sylvan Simon Desi Doulos Ayers John Gahagan Emily Clough and David Liquori Genevieve and Jack Scott Beth Bannister Dan Veltri and Lauren Azebu Thomas Gaither Bobbi Graff George R. Marino Jack Sklansky Karen List Nancy Sedgwick Beverly Barney George Badenoch Arjun, Subbareddy and Rukimini Gali Judy and Jerome Lit Lisa Sharkey Georgiana Grant Lester Jay Marks Beatrice S. Sloane Jesse Horn and Brittany Badesch Arsella Gallagher Teresa Livesay Larry Sharpton Victor De Bartlo Clifford Timothy Gray Paula F. Mark Nancy Sloss Tasha Balsom Al Gallo Andrew and Stina Lloyd Jefferson Hodge and Kate Sheets Norma Becerra Shirley E. Gray Trevor Martin Leonard Slutsky Tzipporah Marks Barnett Danny Semo and Emily Galt Barbara L. Lobb Stephen A. Sherwin Martin Beckerman Shirley Port Gray Anthony M. Masi Aidan Smith Randi Klein and Scott Barton Jo Garrison Rosa Castillo and Carlos Lopez Betsy Shirah David Belgray Tim Gray Andy Mason Donald and Corilla Smith Holly Baum Emily Geiger Jay Lopkis Jan and Ron Shlesman Patricia Bellobuono Liz Baum Anthony George, II Samuel Green Denton May Gerald Smith Kere Loughlin-Presnal Dan Wilson and Kacey Shoemake Jethro Benjamin Alexandra, Trace, Tyler, Ryan Leori Gill Dorothy Lurie Jack Shuler Robert A. Greenberg John McCain Les Smith and Dylan Baxley Marsha Gille Kim Lyons Brinda Singh Arthur Bergen Larry Greenstein Imogene Hoard McCants Malissa Montgomery Smith Naomi Bayer Malcolm Gin Lila Jane Mabe Sue Sloan Norbert Bernadzikowski Edmund M. Greenwald Walt McCay Robert Michael Smith Daniel Beck Susan Brody and Geoff Gladstein Lesley Mace Catherine Sluder Bob Biemer Nancy C. Greer Willie L. McCloud Alice Smythe Audrey Becker Jack Golden Michael Madera Vanessa Harmon and Ian Smith Lillian and Ralph Bircher Robert F. Southard Ari Beerman Robert M. Goldhirsch Mary Grimes Alton McCree, Sr. Zia Okocha and Phil Maher Irving Smith Susan Joyce Blacklow Rasa-Dviere and John Dickinson McGavic Janis Spencer Chambless Beren Kartik Sidhar and Paula Goldman Zachary Frush and Jorden Manasse Major Allen Smith Len Bergstein Scott Goldman Elizabeth Bloom Mere-Ita Gruskin Pauline Eskenasy McGilvra Joanne E. Spencer Claudia Mangel MegAnn Smith Judith Bludworth Glenn Berkovitz Fred and Julie Goldstein Elaine Reiss and Tony Manheim Michael Smith Linda Guerard George McGovern Arnie Sperling Chris Topp and Ivy Blackmore Henry and Marie Goldstein Rabina Mapstone Sabrina Rose Smith Margery Blumberg Anthony Joseph Guido Jessica Melber and Shil Srivastava Winston Blake, Jr Herb Goldstein Neil and Vicki Margolin Liz Snell John Blyle Tana K. Gustafson Michael McKenna Vickie Jones and Carolyn W. Blalock Steven J. Goldstein Polly Marliani Patricia Snyder William Bogdan June Camille Blass Ronald S. Gompertz Irene Hadden R. Michael McMaster Maurice Stallard Hannah Kohrman and Joe Marrama Betty Sobel Julian Bond Ernest Hagler Edward Mednick Nancy Stander Sydelle Blatt Kristina Gonzalez Allen S. Martin Peter Solomon Paul Bloem Marie Goodkin Mary Richardson Boo Henry Franklin Hain, III Andrew J. Menkes Eric Starin Teresa Mazzitelli David Dreifus and Jennifer Sosensky Debbie Boothe Andrew Feinstein and Betty Goodman Donna McCaffrey Joanne Spencer Sol Handwerker Deena Hursh Mersky Ed Stateman Elizabeth Bochain Glenda Goodman Matthew Anderson and Barbara Spivak Ralph Boyd, Sr. J. Perry Hannah James Meyer Lawrence Francis Steffann Stephen Bomber Deb Johnson and Maggie Goodwin Patrick McCandless SPLC Staff Art and Bea Branscombe Joan Yvette Harris-Howell Delores Polly Millard Andrew Steigman Ray Bonniwell Priya Gopalan Lawrence McConnell Susie Sprouse Madge Brenner Wendy Harris George Miller Mike Stein Deborah Bono Gary Gordon Maureen McDonald Rajesh Srinivasan Madge Louise Brenner Fred Gose Heather Hayer Marlene Miller Robert A. Stein Angela Bonura Bob McIlvaine Samuel Stahl Shale Brownstein Mary Boo Evan Gourvitz Claire W. McLear Morris Staiubler Wilma Haynes Stanley J. Miller, Jr. Leonard Steinberg Ann Booth-Barbarin Gabriel Grafstein David Bry Jane Heffner Ann Milligan Paul L. Steinberg Dan McMullen Josh Staller Annette Budman Zoe Borkowski Bennett Grau Rebecca Baumann and Dan McVeigh Aubree Steffens Joseph Granville Heflin Jerome Mitchell Mark Steinhacker Debra Borodkin Sarah Larson and Shawn Green Brian Meehan Marc and Suzanne Stein Cheryl Foster Bullard Lloyd R. Henderson Robert Mitchell Lucien Stervinou Anne R. Bowden Carole Greenberg Emily Hochman and Jamie Meline Seth and Katy Stein Robert Amsterdam Burt Erin Brady Jordy Greenblatt Robert Henning Bernadette Mitsch Joan Carroll Stevens Joyce Menschel Lance and Chelly Sterman Helen C. Caldarone George M. Henry Joseph B. Mo Stanley L. Stevens Mary Sullivan and Eric Brandt Michael Grodsky Joe Messina John Stevens Traci Lee Callender Hannah Brandt Francesca Grossberg Sherree Herbig LaHonda Jo Morgan Bobby Stone Jim and Maggie Meuse Brian Stevenson Darby Cannon, III Nettie Ruth Bratton Arup Guha Nancy Hereford Lorraine H. Morton Robert Finley Stone Bennett Nathanson and Abigail Stokes-McHugh Britani Carbone Kyle H. Brazile Karen and Gary Gundersen Keith C. Miles Marianne Strassman Larry Hess Anita West Moss Carla Strandberg Adam Breier David Guskin Laurence Carolin Glenn Miller Samuel Streyffeler Kurt and Herta Hesse Norman D. Moss Kellen Stremel Robert Brice Paul Gutterman Laura Miller Julia Strimer Sidney Carter Samet Gray Adam Brickman Gene Ha Heather Heyer Wolfgang Natter Michael Knight Stuckey The Millers Arthur and Maxine Stromberg Richard B Cartwright Royal Brin Justin Hadden Willie Lee Hill, Jr. Marjory Nelson P. Sterling Stuckey Hana Merkle and Brendan Moore David Sullivan Stanley Cavell Simeon Brodsky Ken Haga Elliot Hazel Moore Mary E. Sullivan Jack Hirsch Matthew David Nesvisky Daniel Vincent Stupka Lisa Brook David Hagedorn Gary L. Chamberlain Maribel Morey Catherine Sussman Harold Murray Hirshberg Benjamin and Millie R. David Sudarsky M. Pendolino and E. Broughton Jane Hall Chris Chennell Jade Morgan Brett Swift Jana M. Hofer Grabel Neuman Richard Steven Sugarman Abby Brown Andy Downey and Justin Hall Jay Leonard Cherry Chuck Morgret The Thursday Night EFM Group Joanne Brown Thomas Hallman George A. Holland Naomi Ninburg Marjorie Sutton Gretchen Ledford and Austin Morris The Tree of Life Synagogue Mitchell D. Chester Lew Brownstein Erik Hammerstrom Lynne Marie Holzhausen Bill Noonan John Swan Elana Morris Betsy Tabor Wesley Children Susy Buchanan Dana Hanna Wesley Hoskins Lee A. Nordgren Courtney Talmoud Carrie Nelle Moye Judith Tanenbam, M.D. Ann Citron Harriet Buckwalter Marion G. Harcourt Jane Muller Kathy Taylor Emanuel "Manny" Howard Rita L. Norton Jacob Tanzer James Ellsworth Burns Michael Harriff Deburha Clark Wally Murdoch Rae Taylor Addison Howe Shirley Jean von Kleinsmid Novo Jake Tanzer Lisa Burt Sidney Harris Maryann Coceano Clyde Nakayama John E. Terry June Hudson Virginia "Toots" Obenshain Audrey Rosalind Tarr Anita and Jonathan Burton Marshall Harth Barry Alan Cohen Laura and Michael Nash Janet Thompson Mara Burzynski Greg Harvey, Sr. Betty Rose Huston Roger Oehlke Clarence B. Taylor Stefan and Jessica Nathanson Tightrope Records Ronald Cohen Scott Byron Yusuf Hasan Michael Cummins and Florence Oliver Jean Taylor Frieda Nelke Emmet Till Mark B. Cohn Noah Caldwell Diane Hastings Graham Huston Miriam "Mimi" Orzech John C. Taylor Betty June Nelson Dann and Elise Tincher Robert M. Cohn Taryn Miller-Stevens and Adriana Heffley Alice Storey Hutchinson John Osburn Lula M. Taylor Ariel Neumann Stokes Tolbert Sharon Callahan Bob Helpinstill Stu and Carola Cohn Michael Neville Ivy Blackmore and Christopher Topp Robert Cary Coleman Betty Hutchison Jim Osman Nancy Best Taylor Adele Carey David Chapman and Jennifer Jackson A. William "Bill" Pabst Dwight L. Teeter, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Carr Claudia Henrion Ruth and Robert Newton Joseph Tortora Albert C. Collins Mr. and Mrs. J. Scott Carr Bruce Heppen Linda Nixon Red Townsend Christy Cook Kenneth J. Jackson Stephen Packard John E. Terry Jason Carr Elizabeth Herring Northern VA Jewish Jerry Trainer Urban E. Jahnke Char Pancake Alain Tessier Community Center Joe Trbovich David Cook Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Carr Debra Heybach William Cooke Daisy Janey Bill Parker Ruth DeLoache Thompson Dorothy Carroll Victoria Higham Shirley von Kleinsmid Novo Charles Trimbach Botham Jean Rosa Parks Helen and Harold Tieger Caleb Carter Cameron Hill Rachel Roberts and Mike O’Keefe Betty Tuel Phyllis Cooper Barack Obama Seth Turner June Cotton Alice Jefferes John Pastore John Tomaszewski Cast and Crew of Harriet Harold Hirshberg Kenneth Jenkins Jean G. Payne Jay Henry Topkis Brian Jordan and Jenny Chen Gail Hobbs-Page Nancy and Paul Oberman Kathleen Halpin Valenti Carrol B. Cox, Jr. Lili Ferguson-La Chance and Chris Susan and Harris Hochberg Andrew Odgren Peggy Keeney and Jim Van Buskirk George W. Crawford Louise H. Johnson Mickey Peck Joseph Steven Trabb Eric Olson Kelly Vance Patti Christ Bernie Hoffman Richard Cronin Adrienne Lash Jones Olga Pedroza Tree of Life Synagogue Alisa and Marco Cimmino Suzanne Hoffman Robert and Joyce Orkand Vic Vance Brenda Jones Renee and Aaron Perl Charles Munro Trimbach, Jr. Laura Osborne Lauren O’Hain and Tom Van Heeke Ruth W. Cruise Barbara Clark Jack (Meyer) Hoffnung Robert B. Cummings David Jones Grahame Perry Robert B Uretz Valerie Nelkin and Alan Cohen Lee (Eleazar) David Hoffnung Brian Cocco and Holly Oswald Tanya Vawter Gerry Owen Judy Vida Lucile Darcy Lawrence T. Jones Jayne Phillips Eli Verne Sara Gottlieb and Andrew Cohen Rutledge Sullivan Holder Vickie Jones Joan Pinto Patricia Vilensky Barry Cohen Christopher Holm Bill Pabst Meredith Noseworthy and Charles K. Daren Jonah Cohen Sigrid Holser Stuart Pace Desmond Villalba Jennifer Daugherty Patricia Joralemon Bing Poh Ron and Lynn Wachowski Mindy Cohen Brittany Badesch and Jesse Horn Samantha Palace Pearl Wachman Miriam Davis Minnie Jurow Leon Pollard Daniel J. Wagner Sharon Cohen Justin Horn Ronald Palazzola Rebecca Hantman and Steven L. Kabot Arnold Pomerantz Wilhelmina B. Walden Johnny Parker Jeffrey Wagener A. Garnett Day Jr. Lois Cohodas Allison Hubbard Christopher Camus Decker John Kane Daniel L. Poole Robert Walker Susan Collins Katherine Huseman Howard Parr Miriam Wagner Rena Pasick Martin W. Walsh Vincent Henry Demma Gerald Karey Patricia Porta Leonore Hoffmann Walters Andrea Commaker Debra Hyman Florence Karnofsky Steven Pressman Gregory Eugene Walther Mike Condray Kalila Jackson-Spieker and Joan Patrie Walter and Ruthanne Wangerin Nicholas Watkins Denig Beth El Congregation David Ifkovits Neyla Pekarek Rachel and Eric Wankoff Adrien Deschamps Roger Karraker Rosa Pritchett Gerald J. Wasserburg Joan Connelly Robert J. Owen Camille Peluso Kimberley Warsett Ruth S. DeWitt Iraj Kashkooli Jan Purvis Grace von Saint Watson and Hope Hoetzer-Cook and Phillip Cook Bill Jackson Jenn Esch and Soren Peterson Denese Washam Michael Kaye Chris Putnam Celsus C. Watson Claire Pettengill David Washington Joan Donner Hub and Cory John and Diana Jackson Samuel Baruch Dratch Robert Keever Howard M. and Nesta E. Quarry William Watts Richard Costella David Jacobson Cusie Pfeifer Serena Washington Caroline Pincus Nancy Webber Audrey Dubay Marcus Keinert Alan Rabinowitz Elizabeth Wauchope Amber Covucci Michael D. Rabin and Tina Keirn Jerry Rabinowitz Melvin Wax Lucinda Dunlap and David Cox Simone R. Jahns Michael Pincus Evie Weinstein-Park Audrey and Keith Dubay David Cozad Shaul Janes Max Pines Joanne and David Weiss Richard Dubois Bob Kenison Bob and Gerry Ragland Donald Weaver Mark Godwin and Joseph Criscione Daisy Janey Paul Pitkin Carol Wells Varya DuCormier Stella Bell Hutchinson Kennedy Jane Briggs Rankin Marilyn Weinberg Anne C. Cuff Michael Jeffries Toni Pitts Jason Krumholt and Jeanne Dugas Patrick Kennny Bernice Rappaport Norbert Weinberg Jon Curtiss Brett Kalikow Lore Cox and David Pizzuto Christina Welsch Caroline Kent Jon Ratner Roy Anthony Werner Elizabeth Plotnick-Snay Paul Werner Jack Dumas Sean and Christine Daigle Abbie Kane Lee R. Kerschner Patricia Parker Reed Yolanda Wesely Rich D’Ambrosio Terry Pogue Mary Anne Wexler Jackie Dupras John Frederick Kane Janet Elizabeth West G. Daniel Stuart Kaplan Marie Anne Leyko and Jerry Poje Megan Wheeler Terry Dutton Edward Kessell Bob Reeder Corey Darling Sharon Kass Jonathan David Polley Claire Whyburn Chris Siewerd Eddy Adelaide Klipstein Bernard Rekort Laura J. Wetzel Jodi Davenport Steve and Arlette Kassel Gavriel Jeffrey Pomeranz Judy Wiener H. Gene Edwards Jean Klotz Elaine Resnick Lawrence Whitaker Emily Davis Heather and Jeffrey Katz Mary Elizabeth Poremski Donald Gamarano and Louis Wiese Lillian C. Epstein Stephen Knapp David Albee Reynolds Carol Wilen Kenya Davis-Hayes Norma and Henry Kaufman-Hirschel Doug Powers Audley Williams, Jr. Alfred G. Knudson Michael James Richard Herman Will Sandra Abraham Pratt Jen Kilcoyne and Stefan Willams Helga Erenwert Morris Dees Jonathan Kay Peggy Sue Koen Richard Roast Lindsey and Beatrice Williams Wynn Hausser and Lisa Delan Elize Shabas Kazanjian Dan Baer and Barb Pratzner Kacey Shoemake and Dan Wilson Sonia J Erf Dennis Delmott David Keevil Mr. and Mrs. David Preston Jadzia Clark Winter Lili Esposito Charles "Chuck" Kogan Douglas Robert Robarchek Marcus D. Williams Hannah Deming Alex Marcus and Chelsea Kellogg Catherine Haas and Marc Preston Emily Wolf Bill Etter Bob Kokesh Polly Nooter Roberts Clexton Williford Stephanie Demma Robin Kellogg Nick Krakoff and Christina Preville Donatella Galella and Ross Wolfarth Joan Evanou Ruth Kolland Yetta Feinsilver Roberts Rudy Wilson Laurie DeMott Barbara Kelly Kyle and Rica Price Alan Wolfson Henry L. Ewbank, Jr. Joseph Kovensky James Patrick Rogers Paula Windham Rob Deschene Stella Bell Hutchinson Kennedy Martha Pruitt Monica and Jon Wolkomir Charles Edward Feder Lillian Shiman Krasney Anne M. Ropke Ann Witkovsky Claudia DiGesu Ellen and Chuck Purcell Nick Wolverton Pat and Chris Kirby Lee Gallup Feldman Goerge Krauss Joseph Rosenbaum Quinn Witkowski Claire Shapiro Doris Bob Blair and Beckie Kiser Simone Jahns and Michael Rabin Emma Stuhl and Andy Wood Emily Cole and Matthew Dover Joselyn Klasky Jane Rankin Janet Wood J. Michael Finger Irving Kronenberg Horace Roundtree Francine "Wicky" Woerthwein Kathleen Doyle Michelle Klaus, Andrea Rashbaum Mary Wood Howard Fisher Norman Kronenberg Roz Rube Gloria Grimes Wood Abby Dubow Maddie Kleeman John Ratner John Woody Jean Tarr Fleming Walter William "Bill" Kuhre Rich Rusk Janet Wood Katie Boran and Neil Dugal Peter Klein Judy Ratner James H. Wynn, III Margaret Eaton Brown Fleming Melba Stephens Kuntz Nicholas Russo Shirley Wool Ernest Dumas Randy and Susan Klueger Rand Ravich Jessica Wynn Beatrice and Seymour Folkman Dennis Lalor Myrtle Rebecca Skop Rutberg Robert Wreisner Kevin R. Ray Martha E. Wynn Katherine Dunn Susan and Charles Knight Earl Paris Ford Doris Lamb Taylor Rydahl Lawrence Theodore Wyneken Robert "Bob" Eddy Susan Koff Dan Redding Robert H. Wynn AJ Mizes and Eric Egan Adam Schleifer and Nicole Kolinsky Rhys Retrofuture Galen and Christine Diane Karalis Fortson Theresa Lang Sigmund Safier Diane C. Yaffe Ken Egel Phyllis Kornfeld Rosa Maria Castillo Schilder and Ning-Chien Yarng Joyce Foss John Lankenau Patricia Ann Ford Sagawa Iver and Natalee Yeager Jon Yardney and Carolyn Eisen Emily Korzenik Carlos Lopez Reyna Joe Barnes and Paula Yelverton Hannah Frank Harry andd Pauline Larner Taylor A. Sajous Monteal May Yerby Nancy Elfant Joseph Kosofsky Allen Reynolds Tod Yeslow Aretha Franklin Walter Lasky Harold Salzman Ron Young Robert Elliott Joe and Diana Slaughter Kotzin Andy Reynolds Kimberly Rich Young Jan Frazier John C. Laubenau Julius Salzman Austin Van Zant Olive Ellner Nick and Christine Krakoff Nancy Rieder Josephine Yurick Marvin Freeman Martha Laudert Russell C. Saphian Gustav and Giselle Alice H. Erb Carl Kravetz Kelly Rincon Taisy and Zander Peter Morain and Emily Estrada Suri Krieger Adena Spingarn and Yedida Rissman Neil Zechman Myra Freudberg Laura Gold Lawrence Richard Sarason von Grunebaum Bob and Bobbie Falk Liz Kundin Marlene Roeseler Anne Owens and Gary Zhang Arlene Friedland Jimmy Lazar Myron L. Savage Harold A. Zlotnik Damon Falzone Elaine Kurt Paula Rogahn Alex Kopecky and Chen Zou Emil Friedman Lola Stendig Lea Henry Scheier Marie Zugel WWW.SPLCENTER.ORG WINTER 2018 7

Nobel economist solidifies Scroll of Remembrance The Southern Poverty Law Center pays tribute to the memory of deceased supporters who his final legacy with SPLC included the SPLC in their wills or other planned gifts. The SPLC gratefully acknowledges Two years after his passing, whom he perceived to be unjust- their bequests, received from October 1, 2017, through October 31, 2018. one Nobel laureate’s legacy is so- ly treated,” Alice said. “For that Billie Ables Phyllis Goldblatt Edith A. Parker lidified at the Southern Poverty reason, he and I have been long- Robert S. Addison Alice M. Gonnerman Linda Pincus Law Center. time supporters of the Southern Sherri Ash Nell Greenfield Carolyn K. Plett Dr. Thomas C. Schelling Poverty Law Center, and it was Harry Bain Lorie Griswold Irving Pobboravsky received the Nobel Prize in Tom’s wish that his Nobel medal Kenneth L. Banks Robert R. Hammer Jeanne Audrey Powers Economics in 2005 for his in- be auctioned off and the proceeds George H. Bayer Helen J. Harbin Diane Pretzer novative research on game donated to the SPLC. Hate and Anne M. Behler Genette A. Henderson Marshall W. Raffel Raymond J. Berard Virginia S. Herndon Robert Rankin theory along with mathemati- extremism should have no place Lorna R. Bernard Helen K. Hicks Eunice A. Riblinger cian Robert Aumann. He once in our country.” Peggy R. Bierer Ruth L. Hiersemann Evelyn F. Rice described game theory as “an Maureen Cropper, chairwom- Dixie L. Binning Martha Hirsch David Rich attempt to formalize any kind of an of the economics department Miriam Blahd Amos K. Hobby Mary Kay Riley study of strategic behavior where at the University of Maryland Robert G. Bragg Anne J. Hoffenkamp Susan S. Rolfe people are trying to affect or an- where Dr. Schelling taught for Lucia Brandon Elma D. Holden William H. Rosenfeld ticipate the behavior of others.” more than a decade before retir- Thomas Breslin Barbara Hornady Nathan Rosengarten ing in 2003, told one media outlet Robert B. Burns Carol Hosfeld Solomon H. Rubin Irving S. Caplan Marion L. Howe Dorothy Russell A passion for peace that the donation was “fitting.” Michael Caress Muriel Hurovitz Millicent Rutherford In the 1950s and 1960s, he became “The topics that he worked Marcia E. Case Anne M. Ingram Elizabeth S. Sands one of America’s leading theorists on are all topics that remain rel- Helen C. Cavallaro Seymour Israel Frances W. Saulnier of nuclear war and peace. evant today, and the fact that he Scotty Chaconas John R. Jennings Wilma M. Scheffner Schelling’s most famous was working on them in the mid- Anne Ciriaco Charles O. Johnson Mary J. Schloff work, The Strategy of Conflict, dle of the last century really does William M. Clarke William V. Johnston Katherine S. Scott used game theory to analyze the show the fact that he was a very Diane K. Coker Elizabeth C. Jones Murray Seeman conflict between the U.S. and broad thinker as well as a very W. Larry Collins Claire Karpov Donna I. Sherman Dennis R. Connolly Venice Kinsler Edward Siegel the Soviet Union. His conclu- deep thinker,” she said. Mary T. Cooper Martha Kleymeyer Catherine F. Siffin sions changed U.S. foreign policy Doris C. Creelman John J. Kozacik Ann Elizabeth Silverman during the Cold War, and many Shaper of modern thinking Harvey Culbert Jenny Kubitschek Ermalee B. Skillman historians cite his influence as a In addition to his work in the field Georgia M. Cureton Jean E. Kyle Leslie A. Smith major reason why the standoff of game theory – which influenced Florence Falk Dickler Miriam Lasker Walter F. Smith never escalated into nuclear war. the way we think about issues George Doskow Kip H. Libman John J. Staton According to The New as disparate as nuclear strate- M. Burton Drexler Dorothy L. Light Frances L. Stebbins York Times, director Stanley gy, and addictive Odessa Dubinsky Richard L. Lillick Jean M. Steever Dorothy Eley Christy L. Long Mary H. Steinauer Kubrick read Schelling’s com- behavior – he was also a major Virginia C. Emerson Charles R. Love Caroline G. Steva ments about the novel Red Alert shaper of the modern Harvard Rose P. Feldman Kurt Low Robert M. Storm and decided to adapt it for the Kennedy School. His design of Irving B. Fine Anne Mardick Paul Szilard 1964 movie “Dr. Strangelove.” curriculum was not simply in- William A. Fitton Enid F. Margolies Larry D. Tomaw Schelling consulted with tended for public administrators Dorothy Fix Lester J. Marks Hansa H. Topiwala Kubrick on the film. but a new generation of leaders Mildred Forrell Polly A. Middleton Robert Trees Dr. Shelling died on Dec. 13, who are literate in public poli- Gregory Fowler Helen E. Mildner Lorna E. Tuthill 2016, at age 95. cy. He also co-founded Harvard’s Kenneth S. Fowler Gloria Hunt Minkwic Charles W. Wade Jonas Waxman Before he died, he made clear Center for International Affairs Stanley H. Freeman Derry Ann Moritz Jana Freiberger Stanley I. Morstein Marian M. Weinberg to his wife, Alice, that he wanted in 1958, which as renamed Teresa J. Garrison Elsa Nettels Mary B. Weingart his Nobel gold medal to be auc- the Weatherhead Center for Gregory M. Gaudio Seymour Nordenberg Jean Wellisch tioned and that the proceeds International Affairs in 1998. Martin Gerotwol Dorothy Olson Iris M. Wiley should go to the SPLC. It was The SPLC is honored to call Beth Wayson Gifford Gretchen Olt Marjean Willett sold on May 31 for $187,500. Dr. Schelling a supporter of our Betty Jo Goddard Theresa Page Orrin Williams “Tom, a most rational man, work and will protect our shared Katherine Godell Meg K. Palley Lawrence Wilner was also someone who felt em- legacy with integrity in the fight Sheila K. Gold Venrice Palmer Jack P. Witter pathy, especially toward those against hate and bigotry. Edwin Goldberg Rubye Lew Huey Pang Stanley Woodward

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A year-end report from Dees and Cohen From page 1 food off children’s tables. Now, black people in that state – some though, the DOJ has abandoned 200,000 people in all. CONTRIBUTED danger of being separated from Obama-era initiatives designed Herman Parker Jr. is one of their families and thrown out of to stop courts from punish- them. When he was a teenager the country. ing the poor simply because of 25 years ago, he was convicted their poverty. of a crime. The big lie We’re at the forefront of le- “I’m a husband and father Trump is telling Americans gal action to eliminate this kind of two beautiful children, and that these immigrants are “an- of injustice. I’m proud to work for the city imals” and “criminals” who Our lawsuits and the prece- of Vicksburg, where I was born “infest our country.” dents they’ve set have stopped and raised,” Parker said. “I’m not They’re people like Jose, a abusive practices, helping thou- that 19-year-old boy anymore – young father who fled threats of sands of desperate people. Now I’m a man and deserve a voice violence in Honduras only to be we’re taking our campaign to in government because of who separated from his 3-year-old Louisiana and other states in the I am today.” son, Josecito, for 54 agonizing Deep South. We’re representing him and days after the pair sought asy- other people in Mississippi who Remembering Mulugeta Seraw lum at the border. Expanding voting rights work have long since paid their debts SPLC Board Member James McElroy attends a memorial by the Urban League We reunited Jose and Josecito, The forces of extremism can’t to society in a case challeng- of Portland, Oregon, to honor Mulugeta Seraw, an Ethiopian student killed by racist skinheads in that city 30 years ago. The SPLC won a $12.5 million who was clearly scarred by the hold onto political power if ing the state’s discriminatory verdict that decimated the , the neo-Nazi group trauma of Trump’s “zero toler- there’s a level playing field. voting system. responsible for Mulugeta’s murder. ance” policy. Our colleagues told That’s why we’ve seen a system- us they had to fight back tears atic attack on voting rights in Helping children reject hate when they brought the two back recent years. This fall, millions of children together again. “God bless you, And it’s why we see Trump all across America returned Rash of far-right violence God bless you,” Jose kept saying. promote bald-faced lies about to classrooms that have been deeply divided and trau- in run-up to midterms Helping those with Many people who deserve matized by Trump’s no other champion incendiary rhetoric. From page 3 during his presidential cam- Trump pretends that he’s a compassion are counting As you may have seen paign, the same kind that drew champion for those struggling in the news, teachers are to the border. He claimed praise from white supremacists. in our country. on us to stand up to the telling us they’re highly Democrats wanted to make Conservative pundits and The reality is, he’s shredding alarmed about the toxic American “a giant sanctuary city white nationalists immediately the safety net that’s designed to forces inflicting pain. effect of Trump’s words. for drug dealers, predators and blamed the victims after more help them. In fact, he’s creat- We’re helping educa- bloodthirsty MS-13 killers.” than a dozen explosive devic- ed a despicable scheme to strip supposed “voter fraud” by indi- tors counter the bigotry Trump And, echoing neo-Nazis and es were sent to liberals and the health care coverage from the vidual voters – like his ridiculous has unleashed by: other antisemitic conspiracy press. Far-right websites posted poorest Americans – all while claim that millions of people vot- • engaging children – and their theorists, he said “I wouldn’t theories about “fake bombs” and handing out massive tax cuts to ed illegally, all against him, in the parents – in discussions about be surprised” if , other “false flag” theories. wealthy people, like those in his presidential election. voting and encouraging them to a prominent Jewish donor to Trump, meanwhile, com- own family. We know that the real goal be active participants in our de- Democratic causes, was fund- plained that the bomb scare But we’re doing everything of new voter requirements is to mocracy; ing the caravan of migrants and the synagogue shooting had we can to protect health care suppress the votes of margin- • empowering educators to kick approaching the U.S. border. “stopped a tremendous momen- for the impoverished. As you alized communities. In North off projects that improve school It all matched the fearmon- tum” for Republicans ahead of may have seen in The New York Carolina, for example, a federal climates and help students gering rhetoric Trump used the midterms. Times, we recently won a court judge found that a voter ID law thrive in a diverse society; and ruling that stopped the state of was drafted to “target African • training teachers to imple- SEEKING JUSTICE Kentucky from taking advantage Americans with almost surgi- ment anti-bias instruction in of Trump’s plan – preventing cal precision.” their classrooms. the state from booting nearly There’s little doubt that SPLC stops discriminatory 100,000 people off Medicaid. Trump will do everything he can Moving forward together Now, we’re suing to protect between now and 2020 to boost In the first two years of Trump’s bail practice in Alabama low-income people in Arkansas, his re-election chances – even if presidency, our worst fears have where Trump officials approved it means rigging our democracy been realized. We have a presi- BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The the sheriff’s office, and there was the same scheme. And we’re pre- even further. dent who is shredding civil rights SPLC has notched another vic- no consideration given to his paring to sue other states that Because the stakes are so protections, flouting the rule of tory in its campaign to eliminate ability to pay. adopt it. high, we’re expanding our voting law and thumbing his nose at our court practices that discrimi- U.S. District Judge Madeline Our suits are helping people rights work in 2019 – forming democratic values. nate against the poor. Hughes Haikala agreed with the like Cesar Ardon in Arkansas. a new legal team to challenge With two years left on his In September, a federal judge SPLC that the county’s practice Cesar worked for 15 years as a laws that disenfranchise peo- term, the situation could get issued a temporary injunction violates the equal protection welder before doctors removed ple of color and dilute their much worse as Trump contin- that prohibits Cullman County clause of the 14th Amendment a tumor from his ribs last year. voting power. ues to fuel hate and implement in Alabama from continuing to because it creates a dual stan- Now, he’s a handyman – and he We’ll also be piloting a his white nationalist agenda. jail indigent people simply be- dard based on wealth. In fact, relies on Medicaid to cover his grassroots project to increase It’s clear that our work will be cause they can’t afford to pay bail the practice could allow dan- treatment. But he got a letter voter participation and engage- needed more than ever. Many after being arrested. gerous defendants to go free telling him he’ll lose coverage if ment, especially in Deep South people who deserve compas- The ruling remains in effect because they have money while he can’t prove he works at least communities that have long sion are counting on us to stand until the class action lawsuit is those who pose no public safety 20 hours every week. Cesar’s been marginalized. up to the powerful forces inflict- fully resolved. threat remain in jail because of work is infrequent, and he now Millions of people are cur- ing pain on our country. their poverty, she wrote. fears the worst. rently blocked from the ballot And the truth is, it’s going to Dual standard based on wealth “Jails are not meant to ware- The cruelty of Trump’s box because of previous crimi- take all of us standing togeth- The SPLC filed suit last March house people who have not been Medicaid scheme is plain to see. nal convictions, particularly in er in solidarity, with the resolve on behalf of Bradley Hester, who convicted of a crime, particularly But there are many other ways the Deep South. that comes from our belief in was arrested in July 2017 on a where, as here, the rich are able to that the poor are suffering in The situation in Mississippi equality, our thirst for justice, misdemeanor charge of possess- buy their freedom and impover- this country. is particularly egregious. The and our compassion for the least ing drug paraphernalia. ished people are left to languish Across the Deep South, low- law there has its origins in the among us. Though defendants who can in jail,” said Sam Brooke, deputy income people are being charged state’s notorious constitution We appreciate your support pay are generally released by legal director for the SPLC. exorbitant fines and court fees for of 1890 that was designed, in in 2019 and your help in fighting the county within two hours, “This form of wealth-based minor offenses like traffic tickets. the words of the Mississippi back against Trump’s reckless Hester remained in jail under discrimination that keeps peo- If they’re too poor to pay, they Supreme Court, “to obstruct the assault on America’s most fun- $1,000 bail because he could ple in jail just because they risk being thrown into what are, exercise of the franchise by the damental values. not afford to pay the amount or cannot afford their freedom in effect, debtors’ prisons. negro race.” And, we hope you and your post bond. is unconstitutional. We will This can be devastating to Today, the state’s law denies loved ones have a wonderful hol- The bail amount was prede- continue to fight to eliminate families – and can literally take the right to vote to one in six iday season. termined by a schedule used by wealth-based justice.”