FBI to pay $22M to settle claims of sexual discrimination at training academy

Sep 30, 2024, 3:06 PM

An FBI seal is seen on a wall on Aug. 10, 2022, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)...

FILE - An FBI seal is seen on a wall on Aug. 10, 2022, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI agreed Monday to pay more than $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging female recruits were singled out for dismissal in training and routinely harassed by instructors with sexually charged comments about their breast size, false allegations of infidelity and the need to take contraception “to control their moods.”

The payout to 34 women dismissed from the FBI’s training academy in Quantico, Virginia __ still subject to approval by a federal judge, __ would rank among the biggest lawsuit settlements in the history of the bureau.

“These problems are pervasive within the FBI and the attitudes that created them were learned at the academy,” said David J. Shaffer, the lawyer for the women. “This case will make important major changes in these attitudes.”

Filed in 2019, the lawsuit contends that female recruits had been subjected to a hostile working environment in which they were judged more harshly than their male peers and “excessively targeted for correction and dismissal in tactical situations for perceived lack of judgment” and subjective “suitability” criteria.

FBI continues to fail child sex abuse victims despite reforms after bungled Nassar investigation, watchdog finds

One of the women said she was admonished to “smile more” and subjected to repeated sexual advances. Another said that an instructor leered at her and stared at her chest, “sometimes while licking his lips.”

“Through passive tolerance,” the lawsuit said, “the FBI has intentionally allowed the Good Old Boy Network to flourish unrestrained at the FBI Academy.”

The FBI said in a statement Monday that the bureau has “taken significant steps over the past five years to further ensure gender equity in the training and development of all our trainees.”

Many of the allegations in the lawsuit were confirmed in a 2022 internal watchdog report. Men still make up some three-quarters of the bureau’s special agents despite efforts to diversify in recent years.

Among the provisions of the settlement was that the FBI would offer the plaintiffs a chance to continue training toward becoming agents and “guaranteed placement,” for those who pass, in one of their top three preferred field offices. The bureau also has agreed to a review by outside experts who will work to ensure that female recruits face a fair evaluation process.

Some of the women have moved on to other careers, Shaffer said, adding “the FBI has deprived itself of some genuinely exceptional talent.”

As threats grow, funds for election security see a squeeze

Paula Bird, a lead plaintiff in the case who is now a lawyer, said that while the experience has been “disillusioning,” she was “pleased that this settlement will bring a measure of justice to the women who were unfairly dismissed.”

The lawsuit came amid a flurry of sexual misconduct claims within the bureau that included several against senior FBI officials identified in an Associated Press investigation who quietly left the bureau with full benefits even after allegations against them were substantiated. Those claims ranged from unwanted touching and advances to coercion. In one case, an FBI assistant director retired after the inspector general’s office concluded he harassed a female subordinate and sought an improper relationship with her.

In response to AP’s reporting, the FBI announced a series of reforms, including a 24/7 tip line, intended to take a tougher stand against agents found to have committed misconduct and help accusers.

The latest settlement comes less than six months after the Justice Department announced a $138.7 million settlement with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against the sports doctor Larry Nassar.

KSL 5 TV Live

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Puka Nacua, Luka Doncic Swap Jerseys Following LA Lakers Debut

Following the much-anticipated Lakers debut of Luka Doncic, the NBA superstar swapped jerseys with fellow Los Angeles sports star Puka Nacua.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Luka, LeBron, Lakers Lambast Jazz

Luka Doncic and the LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Utah Jazz 132-113 in the Slovenian guard's Hollywood debut.

6 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Fall Short, Lakers Strike Gold In Luka Doncic’s Debut

The Utah Jazz were on the wrong end of a blowout at Cypto.com Arena as the Los Angeles Lakers started the Luka Doncic era off on the right foot.

6 hours ago

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

7 hours ago

A Provo City banner pictured Oct. 2024. (Mark Less, KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

Provo proposing water rate hike, city council to vote Tuesday

An upcoming vote could force Provo homeowners to pay more for water. The city council plans to vote Tuesday on a proposal to increase water rates across the board and penalize those who use the most.

8 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

John Collins, Lauri Markkanen Start Strong In Los Angeles

Utah Jazz forwards John Collins and Lauri Markkanen were able to get off on the right foot with the NBA world watching.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

FBI to pay $22M to settle claims of sexual discrimination at training academy