$380 Million Keepseagle II Settlement Reached

The landmark civil rights lawsuit by Indian farmers and ranchers against the Department of Agriculture for discriminatory lending practices has come to a conclusion (barring any unexpected turn of events on appeal.) U. S. District Court Judge Emmett Sullivan approved an agreement reached by the Government, counsel for the plaintiffs' class, and Mrs. Marilyn Keepseagle, the lead class representative.

Originally, USDA settled the case in 2011 for $680 million. However, in 2013, after the entire distribution process had been completed, class counsel notified the Court that approximately $380 million remained in the settlement fund. This led to a disagreement over how to best use these funds for the benefit of the class members: Keepseagle II.

http://www.agri-pulse.com/Keepseagle_Marshall_Matz_04272016.asp