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Latino lawmakers look to USDA to address civil rights issues

FILE - This July 17, 2014 file photo shows U.S. reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, left, and Ben Ray Lujan talk to reporters at the VA hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is embarking on a partnership with universities across the country in hopes of infusing its ranks with more diversity as it faces civil rights complaints from Latino farmers and ranchers. Lujan, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said farmers and ranchers who have been discriminated against deserve to be made whole and that he looks forward to meeting with the secretary. (Roberto E. Rosales/Albuquerque Journal via AP)
FILE - This July 17, 2014 file photo shows U.S. reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, left, and Ben Ray Lujan talk to reporters at the VA hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is embarking on a partnership with universities across the country in hopes of infusing its ranks with more diversity as it faces civil rights complaints from Latino farmers and ranchers. Lujan, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said farmers and ranchers who have been discriminated against deserve to be made whole and that he looks forward to meeting with the secretary. (Roberto E. Rosales/Albuquerque Journal via AP) FILE - This July 17, 2014 file photo shows U.S. reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, left, and Ben Ray Lujan talk to reporters at the VA hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is embarking on a partnership with universities across the country in hopes of infusing its ranks with more diversity as it faces civil rights complaints from Latino farmers and ranchers. Lujan, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said farmers and ranchers who have been discriminated against deserve to be made whole and that he looks forward to meeting with the secretary. (Roberto E. Rosales/Albuquerque Journal via AP)

By Associated Press 3 min read

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is embarking on a partnership with universities across the country in hopes of infusing its ranks with more diversity as it faces civil rights complaints from Latino farmers and ranchers.

But some members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are voicing frustration, saying the agency has been dragging its feet and has yet to adequately address their concerns.

The caucus had asked for a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in October, saying members received reports from constituents indicating significant civil rights violations and discrimination by the agency.

Caucus members also pointed to a 2013 review that found noncompliance with civil rights requirements and regulations by U.S. Forest Service offices in New Mexico and Colorado.

“I am not convinced that the USDA is being as forthcoming as I would expect,” said U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a New Mexico Democrat. “I look forward to pressing the secretary to provide more details that adequately address our concerns.”