"An independent contractor is a natural person,
business, or corporation that provides goods or
services to another entity under terms specified in a
contract or within a verbal agreement."
I'm not a lawyer, but I think as long as the paper is
abiding by the terms in whatever contract you have with
them, you have no real legal recourse. Just because
you aren't full employees does not mean they can't set
standards and practices for their business, whether you
agree with them or not. If you feel you are being
overworked, or their expectations are out-sized, then
you might just need to find another job.
If you feel you are being harassed, you could possibly
take it up with an employment attorney. I wouldn't go
with the "reverse racism" bit, though. It doesn't play
well with a lot of people.