The statement did not elaborate on the reasons for the firing but said the organization is committed to ensuring the "conduct of our staff reflects the mission of the organization."
Southern Poverty Law Center fires founder Morris Dees https://t.co/yzRovZUns7 pic.twitter.com/re5KsTwdFK
— AL.com (@aldotcom) March 14, 2019
They’re refusing to say why, so far.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has fired Morris Dees, the civil rights organization’s co-founder and former chief litigator.
In a statement attributed to SPLC president Richard Cohen, the Montgomery-based organization confirmed Dees’ dismissal was effective on Wednesday.
“Effective yesterday, Morris Dees’ employment at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was terminated. As a civil rights organization, the SPLC is committed to ensuring that the conduct of our staff reflects the mission of the organization and the values we hope to instill in the world. When one of our own fails to meet those standards, no matter his or her role in the organization, we take it seriously and must take appropriate action.
“Today we announced a number of immediate, concrete next steps we’re taking, including bringing in an outside organization to conduct a comprehensive assessment of our internal climate and workplace practices, to ensure that our talented staff is working in the environment that they deserve – one in which all voices are heard and all staff members are respected.
“The SPLC is deeply committed to having a workplace that reflects the values it espouses – truth, justice, equity and inclusion, and we believe the steps we have taken today reaffirm that commitment.”
Dees’ biography appeared scrubbed from the SPLC’s website as news broke of his termination on Thursday afternoon.
Update:
The SPLC fired Morris Dees yesterday and announced it today. Multiple sources have told me that the allegations of inappropriate conduct involve sexual harassment incidents. Multiple incidents that have come to light after an initial recent allegation.
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) March 14, 2019