morris_deesThe Boxser Diversity Initiative hosted their first ever program in the Sarasota area to promote a better understanding of diverse groups in Southwest Florida.

The Initiative first speaker was Morris Dees, co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

The SPLC is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.

Civil rights lawyers Morris Dees and Joseph Levin Jr. founded the SPLC in 1971 to ensure that the promise of the civil rights movement became a reality for all. Since then, they have won numerous landmark legal victories on behalf of the exploited, the powerless and the forgotten.

Our Intelligence Project is internationally known for tracking and exposing the activities of hate groups and other domestic extremists.

Our Teaching Tolerance program produces and distributes – free of charge – anti-bias documentary films, books, lesson plans and other materials that reduce prejudice and promote educational equity in our nation’s schools.

Morris Dees’ topic as “The State of Hate and Extremism in America.” Over 1,100 people attended the event at Temple Beth Sholom. And the President of the SPLC, Richard Cohen joined Mr. Dees as part of the program.

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