Dr. Carol Swain Exposes the SPLC: “How I Became a Target”

Dr. Carol Swain Exposes the SPLC: “How I Became a Target” https://illinoisfamily.tv/videos/watch/3e5405d9-27a4-450b-82ea-7c7b067d2e47 Dr. Carol M. Swain testified before a House Judiciary hearing on the alleged weaponization of “hate” labels by the Southern Poverty Law Center. She argued that the SPLC had strayed from its original mission of combating genuine hate groups and instead now targets conservatives, Christians, and individuals who dissent from progressive viewpoints. Swain recounted becoming a target after writing a 2009 article criticizing the SPLC for “mission creep.” She says the organization retaliated by publicly labeling her an “apologist for white supremacists” after she recommended a documentary for classroom discussion. She argued that the attack relied on guilt by association and damaged her reputation. She testified that the consequences extended beyond criticism: she claimed speaking invitations declined, academic opportunities dried up, and she became professionally isolated. According to Swain, being associated with accusations of white supremacy was especially harmful given her career focus on race and public policy. More broadly, Swain argued that the SPLC’s use of “hate” labels suppresses free speech and academic freedom by equating policy disagreements with bigotry. She contended that the organization influences media outlets, technology companies, schools, and government institutions in ways that marginalize conservative and religious voices. She cited individuals and organizations she says have been unfairly targeted, including Benjamin Carson, Charles Murray, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Focus on the Family. She concluded by urging Congress to investigate the SPLC’s practices, finances, government relationships, and criteria for labeling groups as hateful, arguing that civil rights work should be rooted in truth and accountability. Sat, 30 May 2026 13:54:25 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://illinoisfamily.tv Dr. Carol Swain Exposes the SPLC: “How I Became a Target” https://illinoisfamily.tv/client/assets/images/icons/icon-1500x1500.png https://illinoisfamily.tv/videos/watch/3e5405d9-27a4-450b-82ea-7c7b067d2e47 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://illinoisfamily.tv/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.