We are writing to you to express our views regarding the need for more effective civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As you know, Vernon Parker was sworn-in as the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at USDA on April 1, 2003. This was a promising development. However, we are concerned that the USDA's Office of Civil Rights still lacks the autonomy, authority and funding necessary to remedy past civil rights violations and prevent future civil rights violations at USDA.

          We are especially concerned about the lack of autonomy of the Office of Civil Rights. A January 2002 report by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) concluded that the office of General Counsel frequently interferes with the work of the Office of Civil Rights. The report recommended that guidelines be developed to "ensure that there is the proper separation between the Office of Civil Rights and the Office of General Counsel." We urge you to ensure that the Office of General Counsel is not permitted to interfere in the work of the Office of Civil Rights.

          Moreover, we are concerned about the continuing backlog of employee and customer complaints at USDA. According to the February 2003 EEOC report, USDA fails to process employee complaints within the time period required by EEOC regulations. USDA also has a large volume of pending customer complaints, including several class action lawsuits that allege systematic discrimination against women and minority farmers. It is essential that the Office of Civil Rights develop and effective system to promptly address and resolve employee and customer complaints.

          Finally, USDA must ensure that the Office of Civil Rights has sufficient funding to carry out its responsibilities effectively. Prior to his confirmation, Mr. Parker informed Members of Congress that you had assured him he would be provided the requisite resources to carry out his responsibilities. We urge you to ensure that your department provides the Office of Civil Rights sufficient funding for effective civil rights enforcement.

          We look forward to hearing your plans to provide the autonomy, authority and funding necessary to enable the Office of Civil Rights to carry out its responsibilities and improve the civil rights performance of your department. We await your Response.