Jasmine Wesley has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, Distinctive Schools, alleging discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 8, 2024. Wesley claims that Distinctive Schools discriminated against her due to her disability, failed to accommodate her needs, harassed her based on her disability, and retaliated against her for engaging in protected activities.
The case revolves around Jasmine Wesley's employment as an office manager at Distinctive Schools starting in October 2023. Her responsibilities included recruitment, supporting enrollment, and assisting with general operations. In April 2024, Wesley was diagnosed with cancer affecting her uterus and fallopian tubes. She promptly informed her employer about this condition and subsequently took a six-week medical leave beginning May 10, 2024, to undergo surgery. However, during this leave on May 20, she received a call from Distinctive Schools stating that her contract would not be renewed without providing any reason.
Despite receiving biopsy results on May 21 indicating that it was not cancer but still required surgical removal of masses, Wesley returned to work early on May 31 due to financial constraints and the need to maintain insurance coverage. On June 13, she was officially terminated from her position. Wesley alleges that Distinctive Schools did not provide reasonable accommodations for her disability and forced her back to work prematurely. She contends that these actions were discriminatory and retaliatory as she engaged in protected activities by requesting accommodations.
Wesley accuses Distinctive Schools of violating several provisions of the ADA by discriminating against her based on disability (Count I), failing to accommodate (Count II), subjecting her to harassment (Count III), and retaliating against her (Count IV). She asserts that these actions resulted in loss of employment benefits and caused mental anguish.
In seeking redress from the court, Jasmine Wesley requests back pay with interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress suffered due to alleged discrimination by Distinctive Schools along with attorney fees among other reliefs deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Jasmine Wesley is attorney Alexander J. Taylor from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details regarding representation for Distinctive Schools remain undisclosed at this time. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-09676 in the Northern District of Illinois court system.