According to the Associated Press, America's premier federal law enforcement agency was recently forced to pay out $22 million to settle a class action lawsuit.

The settlement came after multiple women claimed that the FBI is guilty of allowing sexual harassment and discrimination. 

Thirty-four women made claims

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2019 and involved 34 women who were dismissed from the FBI's training academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The plaintiffs maintain that they were subjected to various forms of harassment at the hands of instructors before being fired.

Examples included receiving comments regarding their breast size, unfounded claims of infidelity, and being told they should go on hormonal birth control in order to "control their moods."

What's more, the plaintiffs contend that they were "excessively targeted for correction and dismissal in tactical situations for perceived lack of judgment" along with subjective "suitability."

One woman recalled being repeatedly subjected to unwanted sexual advances and advised to "smile more" while another complained that a superior often leered at her chest, "sometimes while licking his lips."

Lawyer points to "pervasive" problems at FBI

Lawyer David J. Shaffer represents the women, and he was quoted as saying in a statement that their case highlights the need for "major changes."

"These problems are pervasive within the FBI and the attitudes that created them were learned at the academy," Shaffer stressed.

The FBI has agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging female recruits were singled out for dismissal in training and routinely harassed by instructors with sexually charged comments. https://t.co/caYDmtHowd

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 30, 2024

He went on to assert that "the FBI has deprived itself of some genuinely exceptional talent" as some of the women ultimately chose other careers.

The lead plaintiff is Paula Bird, and she spoke up as well, stating that she is "pleased that this settlement will bring a measure of justice to the women who were unfairly dismissed."

Accused FBI officials allowed to retire with full benefits

An Associated Press report from 2020 detailed how some senior FBI officials were allowed to retire with full benefits despite allegations against them being substantiated.

In one case, an assistant FBI director stepped down in the wake of complaints that he had groped a subordinate while intoxicated.

A second figure left the FBI following complaints from eight female subordinates while a third departed after being accused of blackmailing a woman into sexual activity.