Filed Date: Oct. 11, 2024
Closed Date: Feb. 28, 2025
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This case is about alleged race and sex discrimination in the hiring practices of the South Bend Police Department (SBPD).
On October 11, 2024, the United States filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana against the City of South Bend, Indiana, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Represented by the Department of Justice, the United States sought remedial relief for those harmed, an injunction to prevent the city from using the discriminatory tests, and the adoption of other non-discriminatory measures. Judge Damon R. Leichty was assigned to the case.
The federal government alleged South Bend, through the SBPD, used a written test and a physical fitness test that disproportionately excluded African-American and female applicants, respectively, constituting a pattern or practice of discrimination. The complaint stated that from at least 2016 to the present, the use of these tests was not job-related or consistent with business necessity and caused a disparate impact on the basis of sex and race.
On February 26, 2025, after a change in presidential administrations, the parties filed a joint stipulation of dismissal; the case was dismissed and terminated on February 28, 2025.
Summary Authors
Victoria Tan (8/15/2025)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69249424/parties/united-states-v-south-bend-indiana-city-of/
Gray, Juliet E (Indiana)
Conway, John A (Indiana)
Hanig, Erin Linder (Indiana)
Harold, Paul Edgar (Indiana)
Kane, Tiernan B (Indiana)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69249424/united-states-v-south-bend-indiana-city-of/
Last updated Feb. 23, 2026, 1:04 a.m.
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government
Trump Administration 2.0: Reversing Course on Existing Litigation
Key Dates
Filing Date: Oct. 11, 2024
Closing Date: Feb. 28, 2025
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e
Other Dockets:
Northern District of Indiana 3:24-cv-00830
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Granted:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General/Misc.:
Discrimination Area:
Discrimination Basis:
Affected Race(s):
Affected Sex/Gender(s):