; socially disadvantaged group The terms socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher and socially disadvantaged group have the meanings given such terms in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(a) ). I Department of Agriculture Civil Rights Reforms 101. Definitions In this title: (1) Assistant secretary The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights. (2) Board The term Board means the Department of Agriculture Civil Rights Oversight Board established by section 102(a). (3) Commission The term Commission means the Equity Commission established by section 103(a)(1). (4) Office The term Office means the Office of the Assistant Secretary. 102. Independent Civil Rights Oversight Board (a) In general There is established in the Department of Agriculture an independent board, to be known as the Department of Agriculture Civil Rights Oversight Board — (1) to oversee the Office; and (2) to protect the rights of individuals who seek to file, or do file, a discrimination complaint with the Office. (b) Duties The Board shall— (1) (A) conduct a de novo review with fact finding power, including notice and opportunity for a hearing, of any appeal of a decision made by the Office, including any appeal of a dismissal of a complaint; and (B) issue a written decision within 180 days of receipt of an appeal or dismissal described in subparagraph (A); (2) investigate reports of discrimination within the Department of Agriculture, make findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with the findings, and recommend to the Secretary appropriate actions relative to specific findings; (3) recommend improvements to Department of Agriculture policies and procedures to address patterns and practices of discrimination and to prevent further discrimination; (4) conduct regular reviews to assess the compliance of the Office with civil rights, fair employment, and pay equity laws and policies applicable to the Office