Facebook Twitter Email
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2001

In a victory for Indian farmers, a federal judge has agreed to certify a discrimination claim against the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a class action lawsuit.

U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan's decision allows the group who filed the lawsuit to represent all Indian farmers who claim the government discriminated against them. The group is seeking up to $19 billion.

The Justice Department has until October 12 to decide to appeal the certification.

The USDA has settled a similar lawsuit with African-American farmers. Lawsuits representing Hispanic and women farmers are in the works.

Get the Story:
Indian ag lawsuit to be class action (AP 10/5)

Relevant Links:
Farmers Lawyer - http://www.farmerslawyer.com
US Department of Agriculture - http://www.usda.gov

Related Stories:
Farmers wanted for racism suit (8/6)
USDA nominee questioned on diversity (5/31)
Law may hurt farmers' lawsuit (12/19)
More farmers wanted for lawsuit (11/09)
Expansion of farmer lawsuit sought (11/1)
Indian farmers hold rally (10/31)
USDA a 'very racist organization' (09/13)