FBI to pay $22 million to settle Quantico intern harassment claims

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

The compensation paid to 34 women fired from the FBI’s training academy in Quantico, Virginia — still subject to approval by a federal judge — would be among the largest lawsuit settlements in the bureau’s history.

“These problems are pervasive within the FBI and the attitudes that created them were learned in the academy,” said David J. Shaffer, the women’s attorney. “This case will bring major changes in these attitudes.”

Filed in 2019, the complaint claims that female recruits were subjected to a hostile work environment in which they were judged more harshly than their male peers and “excessively targeted for correction and termination in tactical situations for perceived lack of judgment.” and subjective “aptitude”. “.

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

“Through passive tolerance,” the lawsuit says, “the FBI intentionally allowed the Good Old Boy Network to flourish without restriction 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 of our trainees.”

Many of the allegations in the lawsuit were confirmed in 2022. internal watchdog report. Men still represent three-quarters of the bureau’s special agents, despite diversification efforts in recent years.

Among the settlement’s provisions was that the FBI would offer plaintiffs the opportunity to continue their training to become agents, with “guaranteed placement” for those who succeed in one of their three preferred field offices. The office also agreed to a review by outside experts who will ensure that female recruits undergo a fair evaluation process.

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

Paula Bird, one of the lead plaintiffs in the case and now an attorney, said that while the experience was “disappointing,” she was “glad that this settlement will bring some justice to women who were unfairly fired “.

The trial came amid a wave of sexual misconduct complaints within the bureau, including several against senior FBI officials identified in a report. Associated Press investigation who quietly left the office with all the perks, even after the allegations against them were substantiated. These allegations ranged from unwanted touching and advances to coercion. In one case, an FBI deputy director retired after the inspector general’s office concluded that he had harassed a female subordinate and sought an inappropriate relationship with her.

In response to AP reporting, the FBI announced a a series of reforms, including a 24/7 information line, intended to take a tougher stance against officers found guilty of misconduct and to 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 accusing FBI of grossly mishandling sexual assault allegations against sports doctor Larry Nassar.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.