A Better FBI Story : Director Sessions targets fairness as a key goal

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose members among other things are the nation’s top civil rights cops, has agreed to settle a discrimination claim by black agents. Without admitting bias, the agency promises major reforms in personnel and other policies--changes that should finally end the legacy of racial disdain left by longtime director J. Edgar Hoover and should ultimately level the playing field.

The current FBI director, William Steele Sessions, has consistently and forcefully promised fairness within the agency. He is committed to a “fair and equitable workplace, free of discrimination.” Unlike Hoover, Sessions has encouraged openness. In welcome contrast with traditional FBI super-secrecy, Sessions has ordered personnel files opened to allow black agents a chance to prove their claims. He has also met with minority agents who had complaints.

Earlier in his tenure, Sessions agreed to changes in the promotion process stemming from a discrimination lawsuit won by Latino agents. A $1-million discrimination settlement was granted to Donald Rochon, an African-American agent who left the agency.

The most recent victory for minorities is more than symbolic. The agreement acknowledges “statistical disparities” between black and white agents in promotions and assignments that lead to senior management. That’s simply another way of saying a suspicious proportion of the best jobs went to white men.

To remedy past inequities, the settlement will provide promotions, new assignments, training, back pay and bonuses for about 80 black agents. More than 500 black men and women are agents.

To give all agents a fair shot at the top jobs, the FBI has agreed to allow outside consultants to reform its system of promotions and assignments.

The FBI has nearly 10,500 agents; besides the African-Americans, that number includes about 1,200 women, more than 600 Latinos, about 150 Asians and roughly 40 American Indians. This diversity should help the FBI face new challenges, including its recently added emphasis on fighting domestic crime.