Attorney General Pam Bondi leads a sweeping effort to terminate civil rights cases as the Justice Department moves to dismantle Biden-era diversity initiatives.
According to The Washington Post, federal prosecutors filed to dismiss a settled discrimination case against Maryland State Police that included a $2.75 million settlement and mandated reforms addressing bias against Black and female trooper applicants.
The unexpected move comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs nationwide. Similar discrimination cases in North Carolina, Indiana, and Georgia face dismissal, raising concerns about the future of civil rights enforcement in law enforcement agencies.
Maryland Police Reform Agreement Under Threat
The dismissal filing arrived just weeks after the Trump administration's removal of Erek Barron, Maryland's first Black U.S. attorney who initiated the original investigation. The case uncovered discriminatory testing practices that violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
State Police Superintendent Col. Roland L. Butler Jr. maintains the agency's commitment to fair hiring practices. His statement, however, leaves uncertainty about whether the agency will voluntarily implement the previously agreed-upon reforms.
The consent decree, approved in October 2024, outlined comprehensive changes to the agency's hiring procedures and established a framework for compensating affected applicants. These measures now face potential abandonment without federal oversight.
Black Officers Challenge Department Practices
Current state troopers have filed a separate lawsuit alleging systematic discrimination in promotions and workplace treatment. The case details accusations of harsher penalties for officers of color and exposure to racist comments.
Attorney Jay Holland, representing the troopers, emphasizes the ongoing fight for equal rights despite federal withdrawal. His team remains committed to pursuing justice through legal channels.
Coalition of Black Maryland State Troopers president Anthony Alexander voiced his concerns about the dismissal's implications, stating:
The problem is not going away. If they think this is a segue to not doing anything, they're wrong.
Justice Department Defends Controversial Decision
The Justice Department characterizes the dismissed cases as unfair targeting of law enforcement agencies using standard aptitude tests. Officials argue for hiring based on merit rather than diversity considerations.
Attorney Jay Holland criticized the federal government's position with strong words:
Whether this new administration has any interest in enforcing our country's civil rights laws does not affect our interest in doing so for the state troopers who have been victims of illegal discrimination. We will continue to fight for the equal rights of our state troopers.
The dismissal leaves Maryland State Police in a precarious position regarding their commitment to reform. Questions remain about the fate of the $2.75 million settlement and promised changes to hiring practices.
Breaking Down the Federal Reversal
The Justice Department's dismissal of the Maryland State Police discrimination lawsuit signals a dramatic shift in federal civil rights enforcement under the Trump administration. The case, which previously secured a multimillion-dollar settlement and reform commitments, now faces uncertainty as state officials must decide whether to proceed with changes independently. Meanwhile, a separate discrimination lawsuit by current troopers continues, highlighting ongoing concerns about racial bias within the department.
