The Southern Poverty Law Center on Tuesday announced that it has named a new president and CEO, selecting a distinguished civil rights attorney to lead the organization through one of its most important transitions.
Ryan P. Haygood, a famed New Jersey attorney who has led the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice for the past decade, was the unanimous choice of the SPLC board of directors following a year-long search process. Haygood also served as the deputy director of litigation at the Legal Defense Fund, arguing before the Supreme Court on numerous occasions some of the country’s most consequential civil rights issues.
“As a high school student, I was transformed by the courageous people in Eyes on the Prize — our forebearers who put everything on the line for freedom and justice,” Haygood said. “We are summoned now, like those brave freedom fighters before us, to both fight the assaults on our democracy and build what must come next. The SPLC has the history, strength and team to do just that, and was built precisely for moments like this. I am humbled and honored to join the SPLC’s incredible team and stellar board at this pivotal moment.”
Haygood joins the SPLC at a critical time, with civil rights under attack more than ever before from an administration in the White House that appears hellbent on eradicating racial justice history and eliminating protections for minorities. In addition to the national climate, Haygood will inherit an SPLC that is, once again, in the crosshairs of powerful people hoping to undercut its mission of advancing equality and diversity.
The Trump Department of Justice, just weeks ago, announced a spurious indictment against the organization, making outlandish claims that the SPLC – which has long fought against racists and racism – has secretly funded some of the most bigoted groups. The DOJ misconstrued and misrepresented payments the SPLC made to informants – many who provided information that the DOJ later used in criminal prosecutions – to keep abreast of the groups’ movements and decisions. The information from the informants helped save countless lives and avoid major terrorist and racist attacks.
“At this defining moment, when our country desperately needs both the courage to resist and the vision to construct what has never existed before, the SPLC board is proud and grateful to welcome Ryan to the helm,” said Karen Baynes-Dunning, SPLC board chair. “Ryan has the leadership skills, the heart, and most importantly, the vision to lead the SPLC during trying times for the country and for the organization itself.”
Haygood is expected to join the SPLC in August.
