The departure of the two top members of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission has resulted in a conservative majority.

Chairwoman Mary Frances Berry, who is African-American, and vice chairman Cruz Reynoso, who is Hispanic, have been replaced by two African-American Republicans. The incoming vice chairwoman is a white conservative.

The shakeup leaves the commission with a 6 to 2 conservative majority. Before it was a 5 to 3 liberal majority.

Under Mary Frances Berry, the commission issued two crucial reports about federal funding and health care in Indian Country. Tribal leaders and some members of Congress have cited the reports in efforts to secure more funds for Indian programs.

Get the Story:
Civil Rights Commission Prepares for a New Era (The Washington Post 12/9)
pwpwd

Indian Country Reports:
Broken Promises: Evaluating the Native American Health Care System (July 2004) | A Quiet Crisis: Federal Funding and Unmet Needs in Indian Country (July 2003)

Relevant Links:
United States Commission on Civil Rights - http://www.usccr.gov

Related Stories:
Top two on Civil Rights Commission resign (12/8)
Bush appoints new head of Civil Rights Commission (12/7)
Report calls on U.S. to honor health care commitment (08/30)
Editorial: U.S. failing to provide Indian health care (08/30)
Navajos turn out for civil rights commission hearing (05/03)
Civil rights panel to hold hearing in Farmington (04/29)
Report documents unmet needs in Indian Country (7/23)