Woman forced out at Agriculture over racial remarks unsure she would return, even if asked

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Sherwood not sure she’d return to Ag Department

WASHINGTON — The woman at the center of a racially tinged firestorm involving the Obama administration and the NAACP says she’s not certain whether she would return to the Agriculture Department if invited back.

Shirley Sherrod says she’s perplexed by the uproar over remarks she made 24 years ago about giving shortshrift attention to pleas for assistance by a white farmer. Sherrod, who is black, says her remarks broadcast on a conservative website were taken out of context, and “that’s not me.”

Sherrod tells NBC’s “Today” show she was shocked at being forced to resign by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who later said he was willing to reconsider the move. Asked if she would return if asked, Sherwood said, “I am just not sure how I would be treated there.”

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The woman at the center of a racially tinged firestorm involving the Obama administration and the NAACP says she’s not certain whether she would return to the Agriculture Department if invited back.

Shirley Sherrod says she’s perplexed by the uproar over remarks she made 24 years ago about giving shortshrift attention to pleas for assistance by a white farmer. Sherrod, who is black, says her remarks broadcast on a conservative website were taken out of context, and “that’s not me.”

Sherrod tells NBC’s “Today” show she was shocked at being forced to resign by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who later said he was willing to reconsider the move. Asked if she would return if asked, Sherwood said, “I am just not sure how I would be treated there.”

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. Corrects spelling of Sherrod’s last name in short headline.)