NAACP Condemns House Judiciary Committee Hearing in Newly Submitted Testimony, Defends SPLC Right to Protect Civil Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2026

Contact: communications@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON – This week, the NAACP submitted written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee and condemned the committee's hearing targeting the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). In April, the Association issued a statement calling the hearing a dangerous distraction from the escalating crisis of hate violence in America.

The hearing comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Justice's unprecedented indictment of the SPLC.

Kristen Clarke, NAACP General Counsel issued the following statement:

"Evidence makes clear that racially-motivated violence and hate crimes remain part of the political reality faced by Black people and other marginalized communities in our country. The NAACP urges Congress to abandon this thinly-veiled attempt to silence civil rights organizations and shift its focus to the very real threats that vulnerable communities face right now in the wake of ongoing hate violence."

The House Judiciary hearing represents the latest front in a coordinated assault on the civil rights organizations and democratic institutions. 

The NAACP continues to stand in unwavering solidarity with the SPLC and all advocacy groups facing political retaliation for their defense of marginalized peoples. The NAACP calls on all civil rights advocates, community leaders, and voters to carry this urgency to the ballot box during the election season now underway.

To read the full written testimony and learn more about how the NAACP is defending democracy, visit naacp.org.

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About NAACP  

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.  

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.