The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a sexual discrimination class-action lawsuit filed by 34 women who alleged they were singled out, dismissed, and discriminated against at the FBI’s Quantico training facility in Virginia.

According to the Washington Examiner, the women involved in the lawsuit claimed they were subjected to sexual harassment by instructors, accused of infidelity, and were told to take birth control to “control their moods.” The lawsuit, initially filed in 2019, described a hostile work environment, alleging that women were treated differently from their male counterparts.

The FBI agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle a sexual discrimination lawsuit that alleged female academy recruits were harassed. Former Special Agent @tracy_walder joins "Morning in America" to share her personal story of sexual harassment. MORE: https://t.co/ahEO5S0tY0 pic.twitter.com/FjI21bsqoR

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One woman in the suit said she was told to “smile more” and had to fend off sexual advances from FBI training personnel. Another claimed that an instructor would stare at her chest while “licking his lips.” An Associated Press report from 2020 further revealed that senior FBI officials had been accused of sexual misconduct involving women under their supervision.

The lawsuit stated, “Through passive tolerance, the FBI has intentionally allowed the Good Old Boy Network to flourish unrestrained at the FBI academy.” As part of the settlement, the women will not only receive a monetary payout but will also be guaranteed placement in their preferred field offices upon completion of their training.

The FBI has yet to comment on the settlement. However, many of the claims were corroborated by an audit from the Department of Justice. In response to the AP’s investigation, the FBI announced plans to implement several reforms, including a 24-hour tip line for reporting agents involved in sexual misconduct.