A former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Jihan Omar, represented by her attorneys, lodged a complaint on November 18, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Versant Health. The case highlights serious allegations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Jihan Omar, who worked as a Project Manager at Versant Health from December 6, 2021, to February 24, 2023, claims she faced discrimination based on her sex, race, national origin, and disability. According to the complaint, Omar suffers from autism, PTSD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety—conditions she disclosed to her employer during onboarding. Despite this disclosure, Omar alleges that she was treated differently than her white male colleagues. Her supervisor at one point allegedly embarrassed her in front of coworkers due to language misunderstandings related to English not being Omar's first language. Furthermore, after reporting such incidents to higher management and HR without resolution or protection from retaliation—as promised by an executive vice president—Omar's responsibilities were diminished.
The narrative details further instances of alleged racial discrimination and microaggressions experienced by Omar. On multiple occasions during work trips and meetings between June and October 2022, derogatory comments were made towards Omar by colleagues or other individuals present. Despite reporting these incidents to HR and supervisors like Chase Arthur and Tricia Murray—who allegedly retaliated against her by rescinding promotions or increasing scrutiny—no remedial action was taken.
In addition to discrimination claims under Title VII concerning race and sex-based disparities in treatment compared to non-minority colleagues who retained their positions despite budget cuts cited as reasons for Omar's termination; the complaint also raises issues of retaliation for engaging in protected activities such as reporting discriminatory practices internally.
Omar seeks various forms of relief through this lawsuit: declaratory judgments recognizing ADA and Title VII violations; injunctive relief preventing future violations; reinstatement with compensation for lost wages/benefits; compensatory damages covering emotional distress alongside punitive/statutory damages; reimbursement for legal fees/costs incurred throughout litigation proceedings including expert witness fees if applicable.
Representing Jihan Omar is attorney Jamie S. Franklin from The Civil Litigation Clinic at Chicago-Kent College of Law. The case is filed under Case ID: 1:24-cv-11843 with Judge assignments pending further court actions.