Dees, Southern Poverty Law Center Co-Founder, to Speak at UA School of Law Thursday

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Morris Dees, co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), will give the keynote speech for The University of Alabama School of Law Public Interest Institute Lecture Series on Thursday, Sept. 20, at noon in the Bedsole Moot Courtroom.

Dees, a 1960 graduate of the UA School of Law, founded a nationwide sales company that specialized in book publishing, which grew to one of the South’s largest businesses. In 1971, Dees founded the SPLC with his law partner.

The SPLC is a nonprofit organization combating hate and intolerance through education and litigation. One of its most notable programs, Teaching Tolerance provides free or low-cost materials to educators. Dees has received many awards for his work with SPLC, including the 1993 Humanitarian Award given by the University.

Dees also will be inducted as an honorary member of the Law School’s Order of Samaritan — the highest award students can earn through community service. The Public Interest Institute was founded in 2000 and provides students with award programs, grants and information on public interest law fellowships.

The speech is open to the public, and there is a reception following the event.