Indian farmers hold rally

OCTOBER 31, 2000

Indian farmers held a rally outside the headquarters of the United States Department of Agriculture on Monday, protesting discrimination within the agency.

Several hundred Indian farmers are part of a billion dollar lawsuit against the USDA for alleged discrimination. A judge will hear arguments today to decide if the lawsuit can be expanded to a class action one involving tens of thousands of Indian farmers.

African-American farmers settled a discrimination lawsuit against the USDA in 1999.

Get the Story:
Indian farmers say USDA discrimination costs them land (AP 10/30)

Related Stories:
USDA a 'very racist organization' (Tribal Law 09/13)
Farmers file $19B discrimination suit (Tribal Law 04/27)

Relevant Links:
Native American Farmers Class Action Lawsuit -www.farmerslawyer.com/NA.html
The United States Department of Agriculture - www.usda.gov
The Farm Service Agency, USDA - www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/default.asp
Civil Rights, USDA - www.usda.gov/da/cr.html
Guide to USDA Programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives - www.usda.gov/news/pubs/indians/open.htm