A former employee of a high school district has filed a lawsuit alleging racial and national origin discrimination. On October 8, 2024, Victor Chielo filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Board of Education of Proviso Township High School District 209. The complaint accuses the defendant of failing to promote Chielo due to his race and national origin, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981, and the Illinois Equal Pay Act.
Victor Chielo, a Nigerian black male with over 13 years of experience in technology, was hired by the district on March 16, 2022, as a Coordinator II Informational Systems. Despite his qualifications and assurances from the district that he would have opportunities for promotion once finances improved, Chielo claims he was consistently overlooked for promotions in favor of less experienced non-black colleagues. For instance, Michael Swanson, a white male hired shortly after Chielo at a higher salary despite having less experience, was promoted twice within months without any formal process or interviews. Meanwhile, Chielo was required to assume additional responsibilities without any increase in pay or official recognition.
Chielo's complaint details how he was instructed to obtain specific certifications for promotion consideration—a requirement not imposed on other candidates. Even after acquiring these credentials and performing duties beyond his role without compensation adjustments, Chielo alleges he was passed over for promotions which were instead given to external candidates with lesser qualifications. He contends that this pattern of behavior exemplifies systemic discrimination based on race and national origin.
The plaintiff is seeking several forms of relief from the court: declarations that his rights under federal and state laws were violated; awards for lost wages and benefits; compensatory damages; attorney’s fees; and any further relief deemed just by the court. These requests underscore the significant financial losses and emotional distress Chielo claims to have suffered due to discriminatory practices.
Representing Victor Chielo is attorney Heewon O’Connor from O’Connor | O’Connor, P.C., based in Elmhurst, Illinois. The case is identified as Case No. 1:24-cv-09682 and will be presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois.