Victoria Jackson has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging discrimination based on disability after she was terminated from her position. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 14, 2025, naming Lawndale Educational and Regional Network Charter School as the defendant.
The case revolves around Jackson's claim that her termination was unlawful under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Victoria Jackson, who had been employed by Lawndale Educational and Regional Network Charter School since July 2020 as a Principal, asserts that she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2019. This condition is recognized as a disability under ADA due to its significant impact on major life activities. Despite informing her employer of her condition and requesting reasonable accommodations—such as proximity to a bathroom, breaks due to fatigue, and occasional work-from-home arrangements—Jackson alleges these requests were denied. "Defendant refused to provide said reasonable accommodations," states the complaint, emphasizing that such accommodations would not have imposed an undue hardship on the school.
Jackson's employment ended abruptly on June 14, 2023, following a conversation with Human Resources where she expressed interest in completing her contract term but mentioned potential resignation. She contends that this mention was used as a pretext for termination linked to her health condition and recent medical leave under FMLA for surgery related to Crohn’s Disease. The complaint further highlights discrepancies in treatment compared to non-disabled employees who were allowed more control over their resignation process and last working days.
In response to these events, Jackson seeks several forms of relief from the court. She demands declaratory judgment against the school's practices deemed unlawful under ADA and requests permanent injunctions preventing further discriminatory acts by the defendant. Additionally, she seeks compensation for lost wages and benefits, along with punitive damages for what she describes as willful conduct by Lawndale Educational and Regional Network Charter School.
Representing Victoria Jackson is attorney Henderson M. Banks from Henderson Banks Law based in Chicago. The case is filed under Case ID: 1:25-cv-00416 with no specific judge mentioned at this stage.