- The Washington Times - Friday, February 15, 2013

Watchdog organization Judicial Watch has released video of U.S. Department of Agriculture employees caught on video at a cultural diversity seminar banging on tables and chanting “the Pilgrims were illegal aliens.”

During mandated cultural-sensitivity training, department employees were also told to stay away from the word “minorities” and instead use the phrase “emerging majorities,” Judicial Watch reported.

The group received the video after filing a Freedom of Information Act request in May.

Trainer Samuel Betances, a self-described “citizen of the world” who rejoiced on a Fox News broadcast of the video of the emerging majority of minorities, held the seminars on USDA premises, Judicial Watch reported.

Previously, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack had called for department employees to embrace a “new era of civil rights” and “a broader effort toward cultural transformation at USDA,” Judicial Watch reported.

The seminars with Mr. Betances cost taxpayers nearly $200,000, Judicial Watch found.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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