American Indian farmers prepare to sue the Agriculture Department over alleged discrimination

"An attorney for American Indian farmers suing the government over alleged farm loan discrimination says the group continues to prepare for a trial despite statements by the Obama administration indicating a willingness to resolve such disputes . . . Barack Obama is proposing that the government provide $1.25 billion to settle similar discrimination claims by black farmers against the Agriculture Department. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a memo to staff last month said he intends “to take definitive action to improve USDA’s record on civil rights.”  Sellers [the attorney - ed.] said that while he would not rule out a settlement, “we have yet to see any evidence from the Agriculture Department that they have the desire to follow up these broad statements.”

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