Lee Ann McKay, a Fire Engineer with the Chicago Fire Department, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging a series of retaliatory and discriminatory actions by her employer and several associated individuals. The complaint was filed on January 21, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Dr. Nicole Patino, Dr. David Marder, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Psychological Resources Ltd., Jennifer Schulz, Brian Helmold, Hector Arellano, and George Lauder.
McKay's legal battle centers around claims of constitutional violations under 42 U.S.C. §1983, as well as state law claims including tortious interference with an employment relationship, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. According to McKay's complaint, she has been subjected to adverse actions following her engagement in protected activities such as filing charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regarding sex discrimination and harassment by her colleagues at the Chicago Fire Department.
The allegations paint a picture of a hostile work environment where McKay faced defamation and harassment after opposing her Lieutenant’s plan to block access to women's facilities at her workplace. The complaint details how this led to further retaliation orchestrated by higher-ranking officials who allegedly encouraged harassment against her while promising protection from disciplinary actions for those involved.
McKay recounts an incident in early January 2024 when two investigators were sent unannounced to her home by defendants Hector Arellano and George Lauder in what she describes as a "Gestapo style move." This visit was part of an investigation into complaints she had filed earlier that year. She argues that these actions violated city policies on handling discrimination complaints and were intended to intimidate her.
Further compounding her grievances are allegations against Dr. Nicole Patino and others for conspiring to interfere with her employment contract by declaring her mentally unstable without valid cause. This included subjecting McKay to invasive mental health evaluations and pulmonary tests despite lacking medical justification—actions she believes were punitive measures linked directly to her discrimination complaints.
In seeking redress from the court, McKay requests compensatory damages exceeding $100,000 along with injunctive relief preventing further violations of her rights. She also seeks punitive damages for the emotional distress caused by these alleged acts of misconduct.
Representing herself pro se in this case is Lee Ann McKay. The presiding judge is Jorge L. Alonso with Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim assisting on procedural matters under Case ID 25-cv-00679.