Conservatives Labeled ‘Hate Groups’ on GuideStar via SPLC

The non-profit database Guidestar has partnered with the controversial Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) to smear conservative organizations as “hate groups.”

Users of GuideStar’s service have recently noticed an additional text box on its profile pages that alludes to the “hate group” designation as made by SPLC.  Shockingly, among the 46 organizations flagged under this designation are well-respected conservative organizations, such as the Family Research Council (FRC) and the American Family Association (AFA).

The “hate group” designation is not merely political rhetoric; instead, it has real life consequences.  The Daily Signal noted that, in 2012, a man was convicted of attempting to carry out a mass shooting at the FRC after being inspired by SPLC’s smear. Guidestar, which claims to remain politically neutral, has recognized the controversial nature of this action, but refused to retract its claims, saying on its website:

“The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a respected hate group watchdog. There is disagreement on some of SPLC’s specific choices, but on balance GuideStar believes the analysis is strong enough to share.  We leave it to you to come to your own conclusions.”

Many conservative leaders have recognized the danger of a key source for information on non-profits taking partisan political stances.  The Daily Signal has reposted [http://dailysignal.com/2017/06/21/nonprofit-tracker-smears-dozens-of-conservative-organizations-as-hate-groups/] a letter signed by 41 conservative leaders asking Guidestar to rethink its approach.

Jerry Boykin, the Executive Vice President of FRC, summarized the issue:

“We have seen the same thing from other places to include certain media outlets.  GuideStar says that they are neutral, but they are anything but neutral. In fact, they are, I would say at this point, they are becoming an arm of the ultra-left.”

The notion that FRC has done anything to warrant the “hate group” status would be laughable if the consequences weren’t so dangerous.  Simply put, FRC stands for life, religious liberty, and Judeo-Christian values in the public sphere.  However, to SPLC, anyone not sharing their liberal ideology is a “hate group,” and unfortunately GuideStar fell for their propaganda.

FRC is calling on conservatives to reach out to Guidestar and let them know why partnering with SPLC does not reflect neutrality. Here is FRC’s call to action [http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WA17F48&f=WU17F16]; please join the campaign on social media to make a greater impact.

An alternative to GuideStar for nonprofit reviews you can trust, check out Charity Navigator [https://www.charitynavigator.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1a3KBRCYARIsABNRnxtw7O-xF3EJYXDFn1y1Oc4j8TPGTw_fSKEYFIQRMXcoeZtbgCynHMQaAlKqEALw_wcB] or the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability [http://www.ecfa.org/].

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel