Rebekah D. Villega has filed a lawsuit against Chicago Public Media in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, under case number 1:24-cv-03137, on April 18, 2024. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant discriminated against her based on her disabilities and retaliated against her for requesting disability accommodations.
Villega, represented by the Law Offices of Michael T. Smith & Associates, P.C., claims to have been diagnosed with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. She began her employment with Chicago Public Media around April 3, 2023, as a senior benefits and compliance manager. According to the complaint, Villega had an uncomfortable interaction with a coworker during her new hire orientation which triggered her disabilities.
The plaintiff further alleges that her supervisor, Debra Chamra, failed to provide proper training or constructive feedback and exhibited an aggressive demeanor towards her. This behavior allegedly exacerbated Villega's disabilities and created a hostile work environment.
Villega is seeking judgment under the Americans with Disabilities Act for discrimination based on her disabilities and retaliation for requesting accommodations. The court's jurisdiction over this case is established under sections 1331 and 1343 of Title 28 of the United States Code.