US | Shirley Sherrod Shirley Sherrod Back at USDA But rather than return to old position, she will work on civil rights By Evann Gastaldo Posted May 14, 2011 3:05 PM CDT Copied Shirley Sherrod listens during a panel discussion at the National Association of Black Journalists Annual Convention in this July 29, 2010 file photo taken in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File) Ten months after being forced out of the USDA, Shirley Sherrod is back. But Sherrod, who rejected an offer to return shortly after the Andrew Breitbart brouhaha, will have a new position as a contract employee, Politico reports. She will lead one of three field programs meant to improve the USDA's abysmal civil rights record and strengthen relations between the department and minority farmers after years of discrimination claims by minorities. Sherrod had said last year that she would need to see that the USDA was serious about civil rights issues before returning. Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error