The FBI has agreed to a $22 million settlement in response to a class-action lawsuit filed by 34 female recruits, alleging systemic gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful dismissal during training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, claims that female trainees were targeted for harsher judgment compared to their male counterparts and dismissed for subjective reasons such as "suitability" and "lack of judgment" in tactical situations.
Some recruits reported being subjected to inappropriate sexual remarks, including lewd comments about their bodies and personal lives. One woman alleged that an instructor stared at her chest and made suggestive gestures. Another was criticized for not smiling enough, and some were accused of infidelity or told they should take birth control to control their emotions.
The $22 million payout—pending approval by a federal judge—will be one of the largest settlements in FBI history. As part of the agreement, the plaintiffs will have the opportunity to resume their training and be placed in one of their top three field office preferences upon successful completion. Additionally, the settlement mandates that the FBI undergo an external review to ensure that future female recruits receive fair and equal treatment during the evaluation process.
This settlement follows similar sexual misconduct claims against the FBI, including a high-profile case involving senior officials and the bureau’s mishandling of allegations against former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, which led to a $138.7 million settlement earlier this year.
The FBI has acknowledged the allegations and stated it has made significant efforts over the past five years to address gender equity and harassment issues within the agency, including reforms aimed at creating a fairer and safer work environment for women.
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