A former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging severe workplace discrimination and harassment. Chanya Liebich initiated the legal action on November 15, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, targeting Ecole 360 Child Development Center, LLC. The complaint outlines claims under multiple federal statutes including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Chanya Liebich's case is built on accusations that her employer discriminated against her due to her disability and race. Hired as a Lead Teacher in September 2021, Liebich claims she was subjected to unfair treatment because of her African American heritage and her medical condition requiring a permanent catheter. According to the complaint, this discriminatory behavior began around December 2023 when a foul smell near her classroom led to derogatory comments from a superior named Meg. Meg allegedly linked the odor to Liebich's hair in what is described as "a well-documented discriminatory racist practice." Despite maintaining high hygiene standards, Liebich was instructed to purchase wipes for personal use—an expectation not placed on other employees outside her protected class.
The situation escalated in August 2024 when Liebich was terminated following an incident involving another staff member's negligence. She contends that this decision was pretextual and rooted in discrimination since similar mistakes by other employees did not result in termination. Her lawsuit argues that these actions violate both ADA provisions against disability-based discrimination and harassment as well as Title VII protections against racial discrimination and retaliation.
Liebich seeks various forms of relief from the court, including back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages, front pay, loss of benefits compensation, attorney fees, and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court. She also demands a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Chanya Liebich is attorney Travis P. Lampert from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case is presided over by judges within the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:24-cv-11750.