The Southern Poverty Law Center was founded in 1971 to ensure that the promise of the modern American Civil Rights Movement became a reality for all. For more than 50 years, we’ve been monitoring the purveyors of hate and extremism in the United States. What we’re seeing today is alarming: While white supremacist and other extremist groups have not grown in number, they have grown in influence. Why this trend? Our research finds that many ideologies motivated by hate have become increasingly accepted in mainstream politics. Adherents to these ideologies don’t need to look far to find like-minded people, nor to be among those who espouse and advance extremist views. Those who might’ve shared these views but were once unwilling to join an extremist group are now more likely to get involved — and to spread hate. This rise in hate takes many forms. Disinformation. The scapegoating and blaming of minority communities for societal problems. Barriers to voting and political participation. Violence. 2