FBI Settles $22M Sexual Discrimination Lawsuit
FBI Settles $22M Sexual Discrimination Lawsuit
The Facts
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has agreed to pay over $22M to settle claims made by 34 female recruits that 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."
The Spin
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, these women will be fairly compensated and offered a shot at reattending the academy — no woman should 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 further 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.
