By Allen Howard
Enquirer staff writer
The plight of black farmers has become a classroom topic at Xavier University.
Fifteen students in philosophy, politics and the public honors program
are delving into issues surrounding a racial discrimination lawsuit and
settlement between the farmers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Boyd speaks with students prior to the hearing.
Photo courtesy Angel Smith 2005
The National Black Farmers Association filed a class-action lawsuit in 1997 representing black farmers who said they had been discriminated against when applying for farm loans and other assistance.
The group is compiling data about the black farmers and is planning a trip to Washington, D.C., later this month.
Dr. Boyd takes questions from Xavier students.
Photo courtesy Angel Smith 2005
The class attended the Feb. 28 hearing about black farmers at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, held by Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Constitution.
Last week students discussed the settlement a federal judge approved in 1999 that allowed payments of $50,000 or more to each farmer who filed for compensation within six months.
"This was so flawed,'' said Courtney Hansman, 19, of Sharonville. "Not enough farmers knew about it and many of them didn't file before the deadline. I would like to see new legislation that would include those farmers who did not file.''
According to John Boyd, president of the National Black Farmers Association, 66,000 claims have not been heard because the farmers failed to file before the deadline.
"I think the claims of the 66,000 farmers should be heard,'' Hansman said.
Isaac Hapanowicz, 20, of Dearborn County, Ind., who has a farming background, wants to look at the whole issue of farmers, black and white, losing farms because of lack of financing.
"This civil rights issue needs to be dealt with, but I have to see the whole agricultural picture. Are we just dealing with black farmers, losing farms because of lack of financing or is this something happening to all farmers?'' Hapanowicz said.
He also was critical of the $50,000 compensation offered in the settlement.
"Fifty thousand dollars is not much of a settlement. I know about purchasing farm equipment. You can't even purchase a good tractor with $50,000,'' Hapanowicz said.
Hansman and Hapanowicz were joined in the discussion by Andrew Cleves, 18, Villa Hills, Ky; Michelle Hoff, 19, Delhi Township; Mary Rose Miller, 19, Cleveland; Rhiannan Price, 19, St Louis and Joseph Moorman, 20, Middletown.