In a significant legal battle that underscores ongoing workplace discrimination issues, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging multiple violations of federal laws designed to protect workers from discrimination and harassment. The complaint was filed by Kiyahnta Bentley in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 23, 2024, targeting SP Plus Corporation as the defendant.
Bentley accuses SP Plus Corporation of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. According to the complaint, Bentley faced discrimination based on her disability and sex, endured harassment, and was retaliated against after reporting these issues. Bentley suffers from Graves' Disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. Despite informing her employer about her condition in April 2024, she claims that SP Plus failed to provide necessary accommodations and instead subjected her to a hostile work environment. Her lawsuit states that "Defendant intentionally discriminated against Plaintiff based on Plaintiff’s disability," leading to her termination on October 22, 2024.
The narrative details a troubling series of events where Bentley alleges she was sexually harassed by a co-worker in October 2024. After reporting this incident to her supervisor Barry (last name unknown), Bentley's work schedule was changed unfavorably, conflicting with her second job. Despite repeated requests for reinstatement of her original schedule and assurances from Barry that he would address the issue, no action was taken. Instead, Bentley received write-ups for missing shifts due to the schedule change and ultimately faced termination.
Bentley's complaint also highlights how SP Plus allegedly ignored her complaints about sexual harassment and retaliated by terminating her employment after she reported these incidents to Human Resources. She asserts that "Defendant acted in willful and reckless disregard of Plaintiff's protected rights," resulting in severe emotional distress and financial loss.
In seeking justice through this lawsuit, Bentley demands various forms of relief from the court. These include back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress, front pay for future lost earnings, loss of benefits compensation, attorney fees, costs associated with the lawsuit, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Bentley are attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Mally L. Slone from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., located in Lombard, Illinois. The case is being overseen by judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:24-cv-13168.