Statement by Secretary Glickman on Civil Rights Action Team

                                             Release No. 0634.96
Statement

                                by
              Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman
                   on Civil Rights Action Team

     "Today I am announcing the appointment of Pearlie S. Reed, associate
chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to head a civil
rights action team to do a thorough audit of USDA civil rights issues
inside and outside the department.

    "Mr. Reed, a 28-year USDA career employee, has long been recognized
both within and outside the department for his strong leadership, clear
vision, and keen understanding of how to integrate and implement massive
change. Those skills will be critical in putting together a team and an
agenda to tackle civil rights issues dealing with both our employees and
our customers.

    "I have asked for a final set of recommendations no later than
mid-February. The team will consist of representatives of each of USDA's
mission areas, and I have told my senior staff that I hold them
personally responsible for cooperating fully with this effort. The action
team will take a close look at how things are working at all
organizational levels and recommend ways to solve existing problems.

    "Today at USDA, civil rights compliance has shifted into overdrive.
There is nothing more important than assuring that we treat all people
with dignity and civility. I am devoted to solving this department's
civil rights problems--both inside and outside. The buck stops here but I
have made it clear that every employee in this department--from me on
down to every county level--is responsible for civil rights enforcement.

    "We have made progress in this area. But these are complex problems
without simple solutions.  We're doing a lot right and this is the time
to expand and replicate what works and identify and eliminate what
doesn't.

    "Earlier this week I announced several other steps as part of an
intensified effort to more effectively help socially disadvantaged and
minority farmers. I directed each USDA agency and state office that
serves farmers to establish an outreach office that reports directly to
the administrator or state director. I laid out a plan for a national
dialogue to address civil rights concerns and program delivery. And I
asked the Office of the Inspector General to investigate complaints of
discrimination in farm loans.

    "We have a real opportunity to make positive change in the area of
civil rights enforcement--to ensure that USDA is a diverse, civil
department to both its employees and its customers.  I am committed to
bringing about that change."
                                #

NOTE: USDA news releases and media advisories are available on the Internet.
Access the USDA Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.usda.gov