Story perspectives

AP’s $1 M Settlement Spurs Diversity Hiring; Pioneer Johnson Dies

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Marlene Louise Johnson’s early-1970s discrimination suit forced the Associated Press to adopt affirmative-action hiring and training for women, Black and Hispanic journalists.
The 1983 settlement awarded over $1 million, required AP affirmative-action plans, and provided $83,120 in bonuses and training to the seven women plaintiffs, though Johnson’s name was removed.
Johnson died on May 9 2026 in an Inglewood, California elder-care facility after battling dementia.

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Story summary

Marlene Louise Johnson’s early-1970s discrimination suit forced the Associated Press to adopt affirmative-action hiring and training for women, Black and Hispanic journalists.
The 1983 settlement awarded over $1 million, required AP affirmative-action plans, and provided $83,120 in bonuses and training to the seven women plaintiffs, though Johnson’s name was removed.
Johnson died on May 9 2026 in an Inglewood, California elder-care facility after battling dementia.