The city of Evanston's former top diversity, equity and inclusion officer has filed suit against the city, claiming he was illegally fired over stances and statements, including social media posts, in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Israeli operations against terrorist organization Hamas in Gaza.
Liam Bird, Evanston's former Manager of Organizational Performance and Equity, filed his complaint in Chicago federal court on Jan. 12. The defendants named in the suit include Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, City Manager Luke Stowe and interim Evanston city attorney Alexandra Ruggie.
Bird was hired in April 2023, after having served as director of racial equity initiatives for Chicago Public Schools. In his role at Evanston City Hall, "Bird’s principal task was to serve as Evanston’s advisor 'on matters concerning racial equity in the workplace,'" according to the complaint.
The complaint asserts Bird was frustrated by his inability to set city policy, which needed to go through city managers. He says all of his policy proposals were either "tabled or rejected outright" by city leadership.
According to the complaint, Bird had posted numerous times on social media in support of the Palestinians in their decades-long conflict with the nation of Israel, including composing and posting a song expressing sympathy and support for the Palestinian cause, and calling Israelis war criminals. He said those posts were public before he was hired by the city.
Bird claims that despite his role having no connection to foreign affairs or the Middle East conflict, his personal opinions on Palestinian rights came under scrutiny following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.
Following those attacks, Bird urged Evanston's leaders to show support for "non-Hamas Palestinians" in Gaza, as they did for Israel. He also posted further on social media, calling Israelis war criminals for their actions in Gaza.
He noted at least one Evanston city official accused him of being influenced by "Hamas propaganda."
Bird further accused city officials of essentially framing him, by posting a "ceasefire resolution" proposal online, and making Bird the sole staff contact for the proposal. In his complaint, Bird asserts he had nothing to do with that resolution, though he became a target for online and in-person reaction to it from outraged Evanston residents, who accused Bird of antisemitism.
Bird was allegedly offered the chance to resign, but was ultimately fired on Dec. 29.
In his lawsuit, Bird has accused the city and officials of illegal First Amendment retaliation.
He is seeking damages, including back wages, unspecified "compensatory damages for the mental anguish, humiliation, degradation, physical and emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience and damage to his reputations," and punitive damages, plus attorney fees.
He is represented by attorneys Paul K. Vickrey, Patrick F. Solon and Dylan M. Brown, of the firm of Vitale, Vickrey, Niro, Solon & Gasey, of Chicago.