OpenTheBooks Finds $3.85 Million in SPLC-Linked Public Support, Including $2.5 Million School Grant
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 22
OpenTheBooks Finds $3.85 Million in SPLC-Linked Public Support, Including $2.5 Million School Grant
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 22
OpenTheBooks said at least $3.85 million in taxpayer-backed support has flowed to the Southern Poverty Law Center, including $1.35 million paid directly by public entities since fiscal 2016.
A $2.5 million NIH-backed University of Michigan project was identified as integrating SPLC’s Learning for Justice curriculum into programming across six Genesee County, Michigan, middle schools, according to FOIA-obtained grant records.
HHS told Fox News Digital the program is no longer being funded and has been redesigned to focus on reducing teen and family violence, but the university’s current project page still lists SPLC as a partner and says its curriculum is being used.
The scrutiny lands as House Republicans intensify investigations of SPLC, with the Judiciary Committee holding a hearing this week and DOJ separately alleging the group funneled donor money to informants tied to extremist groups—claims SPLC denies.
OpenTheBooks said the total may understate SPLC’s public footprint because free classroom materials and teacher training often do not appear in spending databases; a prior review found its lesson plans in 169 districts across 42 states and Washington.
How will this indictment redefine the legal boundaries for all nonprofit operations nationwide?