The FBI has reached a $22 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit involving claims of sexual harassment and discrimination during training at its Quantico, Virginia academy. The settlement, to be paid out of taxpayer funds, comes as the FBI faces mounting scrutiny over its internal culture and leadership.
The lawsuit, filed in 2019 by 34 female recruits, alleged that they were subjected to inappropriate comments and were evaluated unfairly compared to male counterparts. Some women reported that instructors made lewd gestures and criticized them for not “smiling more.” These recruits claim they were unjustly targeted and dismissed based on subjective judgments.
David J. Shaffer, the attorney representing the women, argued that the FBI has long tolerated a toxic culture, particularly at its training academy. The lawsuit exposes serious flaws in an agency responsible for upholding justice and protecting the public.
A 2022 internal report confirmed many of the allegations, describing a “Good Old Boy Network” that allowed discriminatory behavior to persist. As part of the settlement, the FBI has agreed to an external review of its training procedures and will allow the women involved in the lawsuit to resume training and secure positions in their preferred offices if they qualify.
This is just the latest scandal for the FBI, which earlier this year was criticized by the Department of Justice for failing to adequately respond to cases of child sex abuse. The settlement raises serious concerns about the FBI’s ability to enforce laws fairly when its own house is in disarray.
