A former employee has filed a lawsuit against their previous employer, alleging discrimination and harassment based on race and gender identity. Mo Anderson initiated the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 31, 2024, targeting Start Early with accusations of unlawful employment practices.
The case centers around Mo Anderson, an African American and non-binary individual who worked as a diversity and equity specialist at Start Early from June to November 2024. Anderson claims that during their tenure, they were subjected to discriminatory treatment and a hostile work environment due to their race and gender identity. According to the complaint, this included being referred to by their "dead name" in internal communications despite requests for correction, as well as experiencing differential treatment from their manager compared to non-African American colleagues.
Anderson's allegations extend beyond misnaming; they recount an interview incident where Rocio Rodriguez, a parent involved in the hiring process, expressed hostility towards discussions of gender inclusivity. Despite receiving an apology from another participant acknowledging the inappropriate remarks, no corrective actions were taken by Start Early. This pattern of neglect continued throughout Anderson's employment, culminating in what they describe as unjust termination under false pretenses.
The lawsuit outlines multiple counts against Start Early under federal law, including violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 concerning race-based discrimination and harassment, sex-based discrimination and harassment, retaliation for protected activities, and violations under 42 U.S.C. §1981 related to racial discrimination. The plaintiff asserts that these actions led to significant emotional distress and loss of employment benefits.
In seeking redress from the court, Anderson is requesting various forms of relief including back pay with interest, compensatory damages for emotional suffering, punitive damages for willful misconduct by Start Early, attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. They also demand a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Mo Anderson are attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Mally L. Slone from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case is identified as Case No: 1:24-cv-13400 before an unspecified judge in the Northern District of Illinois.