In a shocking turn of events, an employee has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging severe workplace discrimination and retaliation. Elyse Drowns filed the complaint against the Illinois Department of Human Services in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on June 11, 2024.
According to the court documents, Drowns was employed as a mental health technician at the Jack Mabley Development Center starting February 16, 2023. Her employment was abruptly terminated on May 25, 2023. The plaintiff claims that her termination was not only discriminatory but also retaliatory after she reported witnessing a traumatic sexual assault incident involving two male residents with special needs.
The incident occurred on May 14, 2023, when Drowns witnessed one male resident sexually assault another. Overwhelmed by shock and terror, she immediately called for help. Supervisor Evan (last name unknown) arrived but instead of offering support to Drowns, who was visibly distressed and sobbing uncontrollably, he took down her witness statement. Another supervisor named Dusty (last name unknown) then instructed her to resume her duties as if nothing had happened. This directive led Drowns to rush to the bathroom to vomit due to the emotional turmoil.
Drowns further alleges that Dusty received a call from the Head Nurse recommending immediate medical attention for the victim but dismissed it due to understaffing issues. This blatant disregard for the victim's well-being exacerbated Drowns' distress and prompted her to oppose how the situation was being handled. When she expressed her discomfort and inability to continue working that day, Dusty threatened her with a pay deduction if she left.
Seeking professional help from a therapist during her day off, Drowns returned on May 24 with doctor's notes detailing her trauma. However, HR Supervisor Ana Kay Thompson questioned their authenticity and demanded additional documentation. Thompson gave Drowns an ultimatum: resign or face termination. Despite providing all required documents in person, Drowns was terminated on the spot under what she believes were unfounded accusations aimed at masking discrimination based on sex and retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.
Drowns contends that other similarly situated non-female employees did not face such treatment or wrongful termination. She asserts that this experience has caused extreme mental anguish, stress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In seeking justice from the court, Drowns demands back pay and benefits with interest, front pay and benefits, compensatory damages for emotional pain and suffering, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, injunctive relief, liquidated damages, punitive damages, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs among other equitable reliefs deemed just by the court.
The case is represented by attorneys Chad W. Eisenback and Mohammed O. Badwan from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while presiding over it is yet unnamed judges under Case ID: 3:24-cv-50226.
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