According to this article out of Senator Tom Harkins' office, the General Accounting Office, the wing of Congress that investigates things says that Civil Rights efforts under the responsibility of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the USDA are pitiful. Not their word, but mine.
Tracking, adjudicating, failing to keep accurate data, and inadequately undertaking plans to address civil rights matters in the USDA are all deficiencies. Requested by senators on both sides of the isle, the report shows failures since 2002.
Here is a direct quote from the release:
"The Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights has not achieved its goal of preventing backlogs of pending civil rights complaints, with some complaints still pending from the early 2000s.
In addition, GAO found that progress report from the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights regarding the extent of and resolution of complaints have been inconsistent.
The reports published by the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, required by law, regarding minority participation in USDA programs are unreliable and of limited usefulness. Furthermore, USDA has not taken the steps necessary to improve the reliability of the data.
The strategic planning of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights has not included the necessary steps to 'provide fair and equitable services to all customers and uphold the civil rights of its employees.'"
Here are the recommendations:"A statutory performance agreement containing measurable goals and expectations in key performance areas.
An independent and empowered civil rights oversight board tasked with approving, monitoring, and evaluating USDA civil rights activities.
An effective ombudsperson, 'independent, impartial, and fully capable of conducting meaningful investigations of USDA actions.'"
Don't you think it's time for the USDA to get these things right? Maybe? Finally?
