A recent court filing reveals allegations of race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against a prominent salon and boutique. The complaint was filed by Shirelle Schmitz in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on August 16, 2024, targeting Lucette, Inc.
According to the court documents, Schmitz alleges that her employment at Lucette Holistic Salon and Boutique was marred by discriminatory practices due to her race. She claims that after informing her manager about changing her hairstyle to a protective style suitable for African American hair, she faced undue scrutiny and criticism. "On or about June 11, 2024, upon returning to work, my manager expressed disappointment that I had not discussed my hairstyle change with her in advance," Schmitz recounts in the filing. This incident marked the beginning of what she describes as a hostile work environment.
Schmitz further details how performance issues were unfairly targeted towards her following the hairstyle incident. She cites an example where being three minutes late for a shift was blown out of proportion by management. Additionally, she claims that comments were made about her hairstyle being "problematic," which she found baseless and offensive. The situation escalated on June 19, 2024, when Schmitz was asked to attend an early meeting where her manager suggested she resign. Upon refusing to do so, she was terminated with the statement "this is not working out."
The plaintiff asserts that these actions constitute violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981. Schmitz argues that Lucette's conduct amounts to systemic race discrimination and illegal intentional race discrimination. She believes that her termination was not only racially motivated but also retaliatory because she had opposed unlawful discrimination and exercised her protected rights.
Schmitz is seeking several forms of relief from the court including back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just and proper by the court.
Representing Schmitz is attorney Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no specific attorneys for Lucette Inc. are mentioned in the initial filing documents. The case has been assigned Case ID: 3:24-cv-50342.