Cheryl Hanna has filed a lawsuit against Crosstown Real Estate, Inc., alleging age discrimination and a hostile work environment. The complaint was submitted on November 4, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Hanna accuses her former employer, Crosstown Real Estate, of violating both federal and state laws by subjecting her to harassment and discriminatory practices due to her age.
The lawsuit details a series of alleged discriminatory actions that began when Hanna was hired as a real estate agent on January 1, 2020. According to the complaint, Hanna's supervisor, Steven Rozham, repeatedly made derogatory comments about her age in front of colleagues and failed to provide her with the same professional support offered to younger employees. The situation reportedly escalated over time, leading to Hanna's constructive discharge on February 8, 2023. She claims that Rozham's behavior included calling her "old lady" and neglecting to assist with her listings while providing help to younger agents.
Hanna asserts that she was denied commissions and training opportunities available to younger colleagues and faced continuous demeaning conduct. She alleges these actions violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Illinois Human Rights Act. After filing a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and receiving authorization to pursue legal action, Hanna seeks redress through this lawsuit.
In terms of relief, Hanna is requesting back pay for lost wages due to alleged discriminatory practices. She also seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by the hostile work environment and punitive damages as a deterrent against future violations by Crosstown Real Estate. Additionally, she asks for pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the highest lawful rate along with attorneys' fees and costs associated with bringing this action.
Representing Cheryl Hanna is attorney Robert Thomas from Gordon Gordon & Centracchio LLP. The case is presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:24-cv-11370.