A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a prominent educational institution, alleging discrimination and retaliation due to her disability. Camile L. Jordan, the plaintiff, initiated legal proceedings against Northwestern University in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 14, 2024. The complaint accuses Northwestern University of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by engaging in discriminatory employment practices.
Camile L. Jordan, an African-American woman residing in Chicago, was employed by Northwestern University from January 2018 until her termination on July 14, 2023. She claims that despite being a qualified individual with disabilities—specifically chronic depression and anxiety—her condition did not impair her ability to perform essential job functions. However, she alleges that Northwestern University discriminated against her based on her disability and retaliated against her after she requested reasonable accommodations.
The complaint outlines several grievances: Jordan asserts that she was subjected to increased scrutiny compared to non-disabled employees and was denied reasonable accommodations for her disability. She further alleges that this led to a hostile work environment and culminated in her wrongful termination on November 20, 2023. The lawsuit highlights that these actions have caused Jordan significant emotional distress, financial loss, and humiliation.
Jordan's legal action is supported by a prior discrimination charge filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on February 28, 2024. Following this filing, she received notice from the EEOC authorizing her right to sue Northwestern University. In response to these alleged violations of the ADA and related laws, Jordan seeks several forms of relief from the court.
In her prayer for relief, Jordan requests a declaration that Northwestern University's conduct violated her rights under the ADA. She seeks injunctive relief including reinstatement at a higher position within the university to rectify any losses incurred due to their actions and prevent further harm. Additionally, she demands compensatory damages as determined by proof presented during trial and coverage of legal costs including attorney's fees.
Representing Camile L. Jordan is Michael T. Smith from Schaumburg, Illinois. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-10194 but no judge has been named yet.