In a compelling legal battle that highlights the ongoing struggle against workplace discrimination, Gloria L. Brown has filed a lawsuit against Cook County and Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart, alleging wrongful termination based on racial discrimination and retaliation. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 7, 2025, marking a significant case against Cook County's employment practices.
The plaintiff, Gloria L. Brown, through her attorney Timothy J. Coffey of The Coffey Law Office, P.C., accuses Cook County and Sheriff Thomas J. Dart of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871, and the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Brown claims she was subjected to discriminatory treatment during her tenure at the Cook County Sheriff's office, which ultimately led to her unjust termination in July 2023. According to court documents, Brown began her employment with CCS in September 2014 as an Administrative Assistant I and was later promoted to Executive Assistant in February 2020 within the Employee Discipline Unit (EDU) of CCS’s Human Resources Department.
Brown alleges that from early on in her role as Executive Assistant, she faced disparate treatment compared to her non-Black colleagues. She recounts instances where she was required to adhere to strict work schedules while others were not held to similar standards. Despite assurances from her supervisor Jennifer Bae that changes would be made regarding her exempt status under FLSA rules—similar to those enjoyed by a non-Black colleague—no such changes occurred. This perceived inequity prompted Brown to reach out directly to higher authorities within CCS, including Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Black.
The situation escalated when Brown filed formal complaints with CCS’s Office of Professional Review (OPR) citing racial discrimination and retaliatory actions by Bae and others within the department. In response, Brown found herself accused of bullying and intimidation—a charge she believes was fabricated as retribution for her complaints about racial bias and unfair treatment.
As part of her lawsuit, Brown is seeking compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits due to what she describes as a pretextual investigation leading up to her dismissal. She also requests reinstatement or appropriate front pay if reinstatement is not feasible. Additionally, she demands reimbursement for legal costs incurred throughout this litigation process.
Representing Gloria L. Brown is attorney Timothy J. Coffey from The Coffey Law Office P.C., who argues that his client’s rights under federal law have been egregiously violated by Cook County officials acting under color of state law—a claim underscored by allegations that senior officials failed adequately address or investigate credible claims made by Brown regarding systemic racial discrimination within their ranks.
This case is presided over by judges from the Northern District Court under Case ID: 1:25-cv-00185.