What are the criteria used by organizations to label a group as a hate group?

1. Summary of the results

The criteria used by organizations to label a group as a hate group vary, but according to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a hate group is defined as an organization or collection of individuals that has beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics ^[1]. The SPLC uses a variety of methodologies to determine the activities of groups and individuals, including reviewing extremist group publications and materials, and reports by the public, law enforcement, field sources, and the news media ^[1]. Key factors in labeling a group as a hate group include advancing an anti-student inclusion agenda, comparing the group's actions to pro-segregationist parent groups, and perpetuating decades-old tropes that divide families, churches, and communities ^{[2] [3]}. Additionally, the SPLC considers a group's views on certain lifestyles, such as LGBTQ+, and its advocacy for scriptural truth, which may be viewed as hateful ^[4].

• The SPLC's criteria for labeling a group as a hate group are based on the group's official statements, principles, and activities ^[1].
• The SPLC's purpose is to empower communities and go against institutional racism and discrimination ^[5].
• The SPLC's methodology for identifying hate groups includes reviewing hate group publications and reports by citizens, law enforcement, field sources, and the news media ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources suggest that the SPLC's criteria for labeling a group as a hate group may be subjective and based on the organization's own views on certain lifestyles and scriptural truth ^[4]. Alternative viewpoints include the perspective of Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, who rejects the SPLC's "hate group" label, stating that the organization's traditional marriage beliefs and advocacy for scriptural truth are not hateful, but rather a reflection of the "love of Christ" ^[4]. Furthermore, the SPLC's decision to label a group as a hate group may be influenced by the group's actions and statements, as well as the SPLC's own methodology and criteria ^[6].

• The SPLC's criteria may be seen as too broad or subjective, leading to controversy and disagreement over the labeling of certain groups ^[4].
• The SPLC's methodology may be influenced by the organization's own biases and perspectives, which could impact the accuracy and fairness of its labeling decisions ^[5].
• The context in which a group's statements and actions are made may be important in determining whether the group should be labeled as a hate group ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement does not provide a clear definition of what constitutes a hate group, and potential biases may exist in the SPLC's criteria and methodology for labeling groups as hate groups ^[1]. The SPLC's decision to label a group as a hate group may be influenced by the organization's own views and biases, which could lead to misinformation and controversy ^[4]. Additionally, the SPLC's criteria may be seen as too broad or subjective, leading to disagreement over the labeling of certain groups ^[4]. Those who benefit from the SPLC's labeling of hate groups include the SPLC itself, as well as organizations and individuals who share the SPLC's views and perspectives ^[5]. On the other hand, those who may be harmed by the SPLC's labeling of hate groups include the groups themselves, as well as individuals and organizations who disagree with the SPLC's views and perspectives ^[4].

• The SPLC's labeling of hate groups may be seen as a form of censorship or suppression of certain views and perspectives ^[4].
• The SPLC's criteria and methodology may be influenced by political or ideological biases, which could impact the accuracy and fairness of its labeling decisions ^[5].
• The SPLC's labeling of hate groups may have real-world consequences, such as impacting the groups' ability to operate and access resources ^[2].