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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Monday, November 4, 2024

Former Employee Alleges Discrimination Against Chicago Hotel Under Civil Rights Laws

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A former employee has taken action against her previous employer, alleging severe violations of civil rights laws. Onyinye Nnabuogor filed a complaint on October 16, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against CH Illinois, LLC, doing business as The Ivy Hotel. The case highlights allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination based on sex and disability, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Onyinye Nnabuogor's lawsuit is grounded in serious accusations against her former employer. She claims that since at least 2022, she was subjected to different terms and conditions of employment compared to others outside her protected class. Nnabuogor identifies as female but uses he/him pronouns and argues that this led to a hostile work environment. In one incident from 2022, she was pressured by then-General Manager Laura to wear a female uniform despite her gender identity. "I require a male uniform," Nnabuogor asserted, leading to threats of disciplinary action until she clarified her gender identity and received appropriate attire.

The complaint further details how Tim, who became General Manager in 2024, exacerbated the situation by misgendering Nnabuogor and expressing dissatisfaction with her modified work schedule—an accommodation for her military service obligations. This friction culminated in Tim removing front desk chairs essential for Nnabuogor due to her disability related to military service—a decision reluctantly reversed after Nnabuogor advocated for herself.

Nnabuogor's termination on August 17, 2024, marked the culmination of what she describes as retaliatory actions linked to her complaints about discriminatory practices. She cites unjust reasons given for her dismissal: issues with scheduling accommodations necessary for military duties and trivial infractions like eating at her desk due to lack of lunch breaks.

Seeking justice through this lawsuit, Nnabuogor aims not only for personal redress but also hopes to prevent similar experiences for others. Her demands include back pay with interest, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney fees, and other relief deemed just by the court.

Represented by Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., this case will be heard before judges yet unnamed under Case ID 1:24-cv-10430.

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