USDA Settles Discrimination Lawsuit With Native American Farmers

USDA has settled a class action lawsuit filed by Native American farmers alleging discrimination by the government agency. The settlement, announced today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Attorney General Eric Holder, ends litigation concerning discrimination complaints that stretch from1981 to 1999. “The Obama Administration is committed to closing the chapter on an unfortunate civil rights history at USDA and working to ensure our customers and employees are treated justly and equally,” said Vilsack. Under the settlement, $680 million will be made available to eligible class members to compensate for their discrimination claims. Read more.