A Jewish musician and songwriter has filed suit against Elmhurst University, claiming the school discriminated against him when he was abruptly fired from his longtime teaching position, allegedly because he was also an online activist against antisemitism.
According to the complaint, Yoelin's music has been featured in over 100 television shows, films, and commercials. According to the complaint, he had been employed by Elmhurst University as an adjunct professor of music theory and composition since August 2012. He alleges that despite receiving exemplary performance reviews throughout his employment period, he was abruptly terminated.
Yoelin claims he was fired after the school allegedly received complaints from others about Yoelin's online activism, which he said he did to combat antisemitism.
The suit alleges violations of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, among others.
The defendants in the case are Elmhurst University and James Hile, who was appointed as acting chair of the music department at Elmhurst University around July 2022.
Yoelin is represented by attorneys Marc P. Trent and Daniel Nikolic, of the Trent Law Firm, of Oakbrook Terrace.
In a statement responding to questions from the Cook County Record, an Elmhurst University spokesperson said:
"We cannot comment on personnel matters or pending litigation. The University stands behind our policies against discrimination and harassment. We reiterate that there is no place for antisemitism or any form of discrimination at Elmhurst University."