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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Bus Operator Alleges Chicago Transit Authority Ignored Sexual Harassment

Federal Court
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Kimberly Adams has filed a lawsuit against her employer, alleging severe sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The complaint was lodged on September 25, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against North Park Scheduled Operations, doing business as Chicago Transit Authority.

The case revolves around allegations that Adams faced persistent sexual harassment from her instructor, Renwick Johnson, shortly after she began working as a bus operator on January 16, 2024. According to the complaint, Johnson made inappropriate comments about his sexual preferences and directly propositioned Adams to cheat on her husband with him. The situation escalated when Johnson allegedly touched Adams inappropriately. Despite reporting these incidents to her superiors and filing a formal complaint, Adams claims that no effective action was taken by the Chicago Transit Authority to address or mitigate the harassment.

Adams's complaint outlines multiple violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She accuses her employer of not only failing to prevent ongoing harassment but also fostering a hostile work environment based on sex discrimination. Furthermore, Adams asserts that she faced retaliation for reporting these issues, as evidenced by coworkers discussing confidential details of her complaint and false rumors being spread about her offering sexual favors.

In response to these grievances, Adams seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress and suffering caused by the alleged misconduct. She is also pursuing injunctive relief to prevent further occurrences of such behavior within the organization. Additionally, punitive damages are sought against North Park Scheduled Operations for their purported willful disregard of her rights under federal law.

Representing Kimberly Adams is attorney Nathan C. Volheim from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., located in Lombard, Illinois. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-08876.

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