A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a prominent health system and its corporate parent, alleging severe workplace discrimination and retaliation. Fatima Ali initiated the complaint on November 10, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Loyola University Health System (LUHS) and Trinity Health Corporation.
The lawsuit filed by Fatima Ali accuses her former employers, LUHS and Trinity Health Corporation, of multiple violations under federal and state laws. Ali claims she was subjected to racial discrimination, a hostile work environment, and retaliatory actions after reporting these issues. The complaint highlights that Ali, an Arab woman from the United Arab Emirates, faced disparate treatment compared to her African-American colleagues at LUHS's Maywood facility where she worked as a Hospital Access Representative starting September 2023. According to the filing, Ali's responsibilities included registering patients in the emergency room—a role she asserts she performed competently.
Ali alleges that throughout her employment, she experienced significant favoritism towards African-American employees who were allowed to violate company policies without repercussions. She reported these violations but claims her concerns were dismissed or led to further retaliation against her. Incidents cited include derogatory comments about her race and national origin by coworkers, threats of violence, false accusations leading to unwarranted disciplinary actions including suspension without pay, denial of promotion opportunities due to fabricated infractions, and ultimately termination in February 2024.
In addition to racial discrimination claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, Ali’s complaint includes allegations under the Illinois Human Rights Act for similar violations based on race and national origin. She also invokes protections under the Illinois Whistleblower Act after reporting what she believed were critical patient care delays and policy violations.
Ali seeks comprehensive relief from the court including compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages, punitive damages for willful misconduct by her employers, attorney fees, costs associated with prosecuting this action, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Fatima Ali is Kreitman Law LLC. The case is being presided over by judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois with Case ID: 1:24-cv-11571.