On May 20, 2024, Tricia Partlow filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against her former employer, GRID Alternatives. The complaint alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), citing discrimination based on sex, creation of a hostile work environment, and retaliation.
According to the court documents, Partlow was employed by GRID Alternatives from May 31, 2022, until her termination on December 1, 2023. During her tenure, she received raises and positive performance evaluations and was being considered for a promotion before her dismissal. The complaint states that Partlow's supervisor, Irasema Garcia, who is identified as bisexual in the filing, made repeated requests for a personal relationship with Partlow. These advances were unwelcome and created an "improper power dynamic," given Garcia's control over Partlow's job responsibilities.
The situation escalated when Garcia returned from leave and intensified her pressure on Partlow to enter into a personal relationship. Despite making it clear that she did not want such a relationship, Garcia allegedly retaliated against Partlow by removing job tasks from her and excluding her from important meetings. This behavior continued even after Partlow reported the harassment to Jeremy Hernandez in Human Resources on November 3 and November 6, 2023.
Partlow’s complaint details how Garcia's actions created a hostile work environment that interfered with her ability to perform her job duties effectively. Following Hernandez’s discussion with Garcia about the complaints on November 7, 2023, Garcia’s treatment of Partlow worsened—culminating in more hostility and further removal of job responsibilities.
On November 30, 2023, GRID Alternatives terminated Partlow’s employment citing "lack of emotional intelligence" as the reason but explicitly stating that it was not due to her work performance. The plaintiff argues that this rationale is direct evidence of discrimination and contends that GRID Alternatives failed to investigate her harassment claims adequately.
The complaint also asserts that Defendant's actions were malicious or recklessly indifferent to Plaintiff’s federally protected rights under Title VII and IHRA. It claims damages including monetary loss, reputational harm, pain and suffering, hair loss among other damages due to Defendant’s conduct.
Partlow seeks several forms of relief from the court:
1. A declaration that GRID Alternatives' employment practices violated Title VII and IHRA.
2. A permanent injunction preventing further discriminatory practices.
3. Full back pay along with reimbursement for lost benefits.
4. Compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $300,000.
5. Retention of jurisdiction by the court to ensure compliance with its orders.
6. Payment of costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred during litigation.
Representing Tricia Partlow is attorney Steven D Horak from Buffalo Grove IL. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:24-cv-04108 but does not yet list an assigned judge.