Indian Farmers Sue U.S., Alleging Discrimination in Getting Loans

Indian farmers and ranchers filed a $19-billion class-action lawsuit Wednesday against the Agriculture Department, alleging a 20-year history of discrimination in the granting of loans.

The lawsuit parallels a separate civil rights case brought by black farmers who say they were subject to discrimination in receiving loans and other assistance from the USDA. The case was settled in April at an estimated cost of $2 billion to taxpayers.

The 213 Native Americans who filed the suit on behalf of 19,000 plaintiffs with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia contend they were told USDA loans were not available when they were, that loans were delayed until it was too late to raise their crops or that the approved loans would be less than requested, causing financial and property losses.

The plaintiffs also said that in some instances they had to put up more collateral than their white counterparts, limiting their ability to obtain additional loans.

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman “is deeply committed to Native American civil rights and in serving Native Americans,” said department spokeswoman Susan McAvoy. “He is very concerned about the lawsuit.”

“What our government has done to Native American farmers and ranchers is a national disgrace,” said Alexander Pires, the lead attorney.

Pires, who also represented the black farmers in their lawsuit, said they would file for mediation immediately and ask the government to agree to stop all pending foreclosures.