News

Settlement offer in Hispanic discrimination suit

The U.S. Justice Department reportedly has offered 1.3 billion dollars to settle one of the ongoing discrimination lawsuits against the USDA. According to MainJustice.com, the offer was to settle a lawsuit brought by Hispanic and female farmers who accuse the ag department of passing them over for loans and other USDA assistance. But the lead attorney in the case, Stephen Hill, tells “Main Justice” that while the offer is a “step forward” it is “woefully inadequate.” And in a statement, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said the USDA has made progress on civil rights issues and is committed to resolving all past cases involving allegations of discrimination. He says they’re making sure that “every farmer and rancher is treated equally and fairly.”