The Department of Justice (DOJ) is launching a criminal investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a prominent civil rights law firm. The charges? Investigating domestic terrorism and using confidential informants to gather intelligence on violent extremist groups. This investigation is not just unjust but also deeply troubling, as it targets an organization with a long history of successful legal advocacy against white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the Aryan Brotherhood.

The Associated Press and the New Republic have reported that the SPLC is being probed for actions they've taken to protect communities from the violence and hate perpetuated by these extremist groups. The CEO of the SPLC has stated that their use of informants was a necessary measure, especially during a time when the justice system failed to respond to bombings, state-sponsored violence, and the murders of civil rights activists.

So why are we witnessing an organization dedicated to justice and civil rights being scrutinized for efforts that have undoubtedly saved lives? It seems like a political attack, possibly influenced by the same entities the SPLC seeks to challenge.

The SPLC's work is crucial in the fight against hate and extremism in America. Their use of intelligence operations and informants has been pivotal in thwarting potential threats and protecting countless lives. The DOJ's investigation threatens to undermine these efforts and sets a worrying precedent for other civil rights organizations.

Calling on the DOJ to cease its investigation into the SPLC is not just about defending one organization; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of all civil rights advocacy in the United States. We cannot allow political influence to stifle an organization that plays such a vital role in protecting vulnerable communities.

Please sign this petition to urge the Department of Justice to end its investigation into the SPLC and reaffirm its commitment to supporting, rather than undermining, civil rights advocacy efforts in America. Together, we can make a difference.