Fifteen Black state senators in Maryland are urging the state to honor a $2.75 million settlement for a discrimination suit involving 48 women and Black Maryland State Police applicants, despite the Justice Department dropping the case last month. The senators believe the state has an obligation to see the consent decree through, regardless of federal actions. The settlement, approved in October, aims to address systemic discrimination within law enforcement by providing back pay to applicants and implementing new hiring practices. Although Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the dismissal of such lawsuits nationwide, the senators are calling on Maryland to uphold the consent decree and ensure diversity within the police agency. Some senators hope that Governor Wes Moore will support their efforts, while others, like Sen. Ron Watson, believe change should happen gradually and support the State Police superintendent’s commitment to reform. The Black senators are urging the state to comply with the terms of the consent decree without federal involvement, emphasizing the importance of upholding civil rights and building inclusive communities. The senators’ letter comes as part of ongoing efforts to reform the state police agency and address issues of discrimination and equality in hiring practices.
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