WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle to settle Garcia, et al. v. Merrick Garland, Attorney General, Dep’t of Justice, a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of female Special Agents who were not selected for overseas assignments between 1990 and 1992.

“DEA is committed to increasing the recruitment of female Special Agents, addressing any discriminatory barriers to advancement, and promoting new and meaningful opportunities,” said Administrator Anne Milgram. “This settlement builds upon DEA’s continuing efforts to promote the advancement of women in our workforce.”

The settlement agreement resolves the lawsuit for $12 million. The administrative judge must approve the settlement agreement after notice has been provided to the affected class members and they have had an opportunity to comment. If approved, the agreement will provide compensation to 71 current and former DEA employees who presented individual claims for damages.