Maryland Dept. of State Police settle lawsuit with the federal government

PIKESVILLE, Md. – A settlement has been reached between the federal government and the Maryland Department of State Police after they were sued over alleged employment discrimination.

The case claimed that the Maryland Department of State Police violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by using a certain physical fitness test and written test to hire entry-level troopers.

Officials say the tests disqualified more female and African American applicants than others and were not job-related.

As part of the settlement Maryland State Police agreed to use only lawful tests and provide monetary awards and priority hiring to affected women and African American applicants.

The case was brought in the U.S. District Court which still has to approve the settlement.