How to Track Hate Groups in America

What’s the story?

This week, following the violence in Charlottesville, VA, many Americans found out that "domestic terrorism" is not a crime, legally-speaking. The FBI also does not keep track of domestic hate groups. So, where do you go if you want to know more about the number and kinds of hate groups currently operating in the United States?

Many go to the civil rights watchdog group, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which operates out of Montgomery, AL.

Critics of the SPLC argue that the organization’s work to advocate for the "most vulnerable members of our society" muddies the water when they categorize groups; causing them to mistake criticism for hate speech. Some also say that the group “oversells the threats posed by Klansmen and neo-Nazis to keep donations flowing in from wealthy liberals,” according to a profile of the organization by Politico. But in the absence of any other group tracking hate crimes and domestic extremism, SPLC is considered the place to turn.

According to SPLC, there are currently 917 active hate groups in the United States, including Black separatists, Neo-Nazis, Anti-Muslim groups, Anti-LGBTQ groups and others. The SPLC defines a hate group as one that has "beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics."

If you are interested in learning about those 917 groups, the SPLC creates an annual report and a constantly updated, comprehensive list.

What do you think?

Are you concerned about domestic extremism and hate speech? Do you think the government should start tracking domestic terrorist groups and rising extremism?

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: SPLC.org)