The Wall Street Journal reported today that the USDA agreed to settle a class action lawsuit brought against it by American Indian farmers over alleged discrimination for $680 million. Although eligible farmers and ranchers can receive up to $250,000 if they show how discrimination by the USDA caused them financial losses, most will probably accept the uniform $50,000 payment which requires less paperwork. At this point it is hard to say how much the government will actually have to pay because it depends on how many farmers will file claims. The settlement also includes provisions forgiving $80 million in American Indian farmers’ debts and enhancing USDA programs with American Indian producers.

The 11 year old suit claimed that the government denied American Indian Farmers the low-interest loans that were given to white farmers; this is similar to the claim made by black farmers against the USDA which was settled for $1.25 billion back in February.

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To learn more about Federal employment discrimination statutes, view this course by  Stephen Bergstein : Employment Discrimination in the Second Circuit