FBI agrees to $22 million settlement over sexual discrimination claims at training academy

The FBI has agreed to pay over $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit involving 34 women dismissed from its training academy. The settlement, pending federal judge approval, addresses claims of sexual discrimination and harassment by instructors. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged that female recruits faced a hostile environment and were treated more harshly than male peers. The FBI will offer the plaintiffs a chance to continue training and undergo an evaluation process reviewed by outside experts. This settlement follows a 2022 report confirming many allegations and comes amid broader concerns about sexual misconduct within the bureau. The FBI has announced reforms, including a tip line for reporting misconduct.