A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major travel center chain, alleging racial discrimination and harassment. Christopher Henson filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on August 30, 2024, against Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, doing business as Pilot Flying J.
Henson, an African American, claims he faced continuous race-based discrimination and harassment during his employment as a Maintenance Laborer from November 7, 2023, until his termination on March 27, 2024. The complaint details that Henson was subjected to derogatory racial slurs and unfair treatment by his supervisors and colleagues. Specifically, Henson alleges that the Supply Chain Manager Nico Hardcastle and another employee named Bruce (last name unknown), both Caucasian, were involved in these discriminatory actions.
The complaint states that starting in December 2023, instances of racial discrimination began to escalate. By January 5, 2024, Henson reported being subjected to constant derogatory racial slurs such as "nigger" in the presence of managers who did nothing to intervene. On January 15, 2024, Henson addressed these issues with his manager over the phone after being scheduled for work without adequate rest—a practice not applied to his Caucasian colleagues.
Henson also faced false accusations of possessing a firearm on February 3, 2024, which were investigated and proven baseless. Despite this vindication, he continued to endure unfair treatment from certain team members. On March 10, further unfounded allegations surfaced accusing him of involvement in drug-related activities. These fabricated accusations aimed at terminating his employment played on harmful racial stereotypes.
Seeking relief from this hostile environment, Henson requested a transfer and submitted Paid Time Off (PTO) on March 21 with the understanding that the transfer process would take approximately three weeks. However, instead of being granted the transfer or any form of recourse to address ongoing discrimination issues, he was terminated on March 27.
Henson's lawsuit claims violations under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VII of the same act for race-based discrimination and harassment. He asserts that Pilot Flying J's actions constituted systemic race discrimination resulting in significant harm including loss of employment and income as well as mental anguish.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Henson is asking for back pay with interest; compensatory and punitive damages; reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs; pre-judgment interest if applicable; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Henson is attorney Nathan C. Volheim from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no specific defense attorneys are mentioned for Pilot Flying J. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-07916.