Two former FBI officials settle lawsuits with Justice Department over leaked messages
NPR Online NewsJUL 12 2024
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has agreed to pay over $22M to settle claims by 34 female recruits who had alleged they were discriminated against and harassed during their time at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia.The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has agreed to pay over $22M to settle claims by 34 female recruits who made allegations they were discriminated against and harassed during their time at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia.
According to the lawsuit first filed in 2019, the female recruits, in contrast to their male peers, were "excessively targeted for correction and dismissal in tactical situations for perceived lack of judgment."
One woman claimed she was told to "smile more" and subjected to multiple sexual advances, while another claimed that an instructor would stare at her chest "sometimes while licking his lips."
Unfortunately,This this settlement is not surprising, especially given that the Justice Department came to the same conclusion in a separate report two years ago. Hopefully, however, notthese onlywomen will these women be fairly compensated and offered a fair shot at reattending the academy, but— no woman willshould ever have to endure such egregious violations in the future.
While no one in their right mind would condone what was reported in this lawsuit, stories like this should not prompt morefurther calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The FBI has already lowered its standards regarding physical fitness, illicit drug use, mental health, and work experience. Everyone should be given a fair shot, but only the best of the best should become agents — a minimum standard must be met.