In a striking legal development, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against their previous employer, alleging severe racial and sexual orientation discrimination. The complaint was lodged by Jourdan Daniel in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 10, 2025, targeting Gripple Incorporated. This case highlights significant accusations of workplace harassment and discrimination that have led to substantial emotional and professional repercussions for the plaintiff.
Jourdan Daniel, an African American gay male, claims that from the start of his employment with Gripple Incorporated in July 2023 until his termination in December 2024, he faced continuous discriminatory treatment. According to the complaint, Daniel was subjected to a hostile work environment characterized by offensive comments and jokes about his race and sexual orientation. He alleges that these derogatory remarks were not only made by co-workers but also involved his manager, Ruben Ortiz. The situation reportedly escalated when Daniel's complaints to HR went unaddressed despite multiple reports detailing harassment incidents.
The plaintiff’s narrative describes how he reported these issues first on May 30, 2024, to HR representative Deisy Vitela via email, requesting a departmental transfer due to daily mockery from colleagues about his sexual orientation. Despite HR's initial engagement in June 2024 and subsequent meetings addressing these concerns, no effective remedial measures were implemented. The harassment persisted unabatedly until Daniel’s eventual termination on December 9, 2024.
Daniel’s legal counsel argues that this termination was retaliatory following his persistent complaints about discrimination. The lawsuit asserts violations under several statutes including Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VII concerning race-based and sex-based discrimination and harassment. It details how Daniel met or exceeded performance expectations yet was treated less favorably than similarly situated employees outside his protected class.
The plaintiff seeks redress through various forms of relief including back pay with interest, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages for willful misconduct by Gripple Incorporated, as well as coverage for attorney fees and court costs. These demands underscore the severity of the alleged violations and aim to address both financial losses and personal suffering endured by Daniel.
Representing Jourdan Daniel is attorney Travis P. Lampert from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. As this case progresses through the judicial system under Case ID: 1:25-cv-00279, it will be closely monitored for its implications on workplace conduct standards and corporate accountability regarding discrimination laws.