ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI ANNOUNCES THE DISMISSAL OF SEVERAL LAWSUITS AGAINST POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING US VS MD STATE POLICE
Washington DC - President Donald J. Trump has reiterated his administration's focus on merit-based hiring practices, rejecting initiatives rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion that risk lowering professional standards.
On February 26, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed several lawsuits filed during the Biden administration against police and fire departments.
These lawsuits targeted race-neutral hiring mechanisms, including written exams, physical assessments, and credit checks, which were deemed discriminatory under past litigation.
Dismissed Cases:
United States v. City of Durham (North Carolina)
- Allegation: Discrimination for requiring firefighter applicants to pass a written exam.
- The outcome under Biden DOJ: Compensation and preferential hiring for applicants who were not selected.
United States v. Maryland State Police
- Allegation: Discrimination for using written and physical exams in hiring processes.
- Outcome under Biden DOJ: Compensation and retroactive seniority for unsuccessful applicants.
United States v. Cobb County (Georgia)
- Allegation: Discrimination for requiring firefighter applicants to pass written exams and a credit check.
- Outcome under Biden DOJ: Compensation and preferential hiring for applicants who were not selected.
United States v. City of South Bend (Indiana)
- Allegation: Discrimination for requiring police applicants to pass written and physical exams.
These lawsuits, dismissed under the current DOJ approach, emphasized preferential hiring practices that, according to the Trump Administration, compromise public safety.
The administration maintains that ensuring the highest standards for first responders is the foundation of its hiring policies.
The Trump Administration asserts that all Americans deserve highly qualified professionals in public safety roles, achieved through policies that prioritize skill and merit over other considerations.
