South Bend Police Department responds to DOJ lawsuit claiming discrimination, sexism

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department has filed its official response to a lawsuit brought against them by the United States Justice Department in October of 2024. The suit claims that hiring practices of the SBPD violate Title VII and specifically discriminate against black and female job applicants. 

"The city admits that Plaintiff purports to assert claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964," the response states. "The city denies that it engaged in conduct that violated Title VII and that Plaintiff’s claims have any merit."

The DOJ alleges that the written and physical test SBPD uses during the hiring process is discriminatory against blacks and women, respectively. 

"The city admits that the SBPD uses a written test and a physical fitness test (PFT), among other appropriate measures, to screen and select applicants for police officer positions at the SBPD," the response states. "The city denies that it engaged in conduct that violated Title VII."

You can read the full response from the SBPD below:

You can read the full lawsuit against the SBPD below: