The Ombuds Blog: Settlement of Class Action Filed by American Indian Farmers Will Create New Federal Ombuds Program

October 20, 2010

Settlement of Class Action Filed by American Indian Farmers Will Create New Federal Ombuds Program

A class action lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Native American farmers alleging discrimination from 1981 to 1999. According to the terms of the settlement, which is expected to be confirmed by the federal court, a new Ombuds program will be created to address farm program issues relating to Native American farmers and ranchers as well as all other socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Details of the new USDA Ombuds program were not provided, but a Classical Ombuds program is expected. (USDA News Release.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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October 20, 2010

Settlement of Class Action Filed by American Indian Farmers Will Create New Federal Ombuds Program

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