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Attorney General Pam Bondi announced yesterday that the Justice Department will dismiss lawsuits currently in progress over hiring standards at the Maryland State Police and City of South Bend Police Department.
On Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2025) Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed several Biden-era lawsuits against police departments who used standard aptitude tests, physical exams, and credit checks in their hiring processes.
The Biden DOJ argued the hiring standards were discriminatory against minorities.
The Justice Department’s move comes after the Trump administration paused all litigation by the Civil Rights Division. Trump also issued executive orders seeking to shut down diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the government and by those who receive federal funds.
The dismissed cases include:
United States v. Maryland State Police
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because applicants were required to pass a written exam and basic physical exam. The agency was required to provide compensation and retroactive seniority to applicants who were not hired.
United States v. City of South Bend (Indiana)
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because police applicants were required to pass a written exam and basic physical exam.
Last fall, lawyers in the department’s Civil Rights Division reached a settlement with the Maryland State Police. However, the consent decrees to resolve those cases had not yet been approved by judges. The Justice Department has asked for an extension of at least 90 days in the Maryland litigation,” Politico reports.