In a shocking case of alleged workplace discrimination, a former employee has taken legal action against her previous employer, accusing them of violating the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. The complaint was filed by Lisa Koerner in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 31, 2025, targeting the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) as the defendant.
Lisa Koerner, a seasoned lobbyist with nearly ten years of experience, joined IEC as Government Affairs Director on June 15, 2023. Her employment at IEC was crucial for her financial stability due to student loan debt from law school. During her hiring process, she openly communicated her desire to start a family to Jennifer Walling, IEC's Executive Director. Walling reportedly responded with conditional acceptance regarding Koerner's potential pregnancy, stating it was acceptable "as long as you don’t give birth during [legislative] session."
The situation escalated when Koerner announced her pregnancy in October 2023. Walling expressed concerns about how Koerner's due date would coincide with an upcoming legislative session. By December 2023, after confirming that Koerner’s delivery would occur during this critical period, Walling sought to terminate her employment and pressured her to alter maternity leave plans to suit the legislative calendar. Despite being eight months pregnant and without any performance issues noted by HR, Koerner was terminated on February 29, 2024.
Koerner alleges that Walling displayed consistent antipathy towards pregnancy throughout her tenure at IEC. She recalls instances where Walling criticized other employees' pregnancies and complained about the lack of good maternity leave policies due to insufficient funding from donors for such benefits. Moreover, Walling allegedly pressured Koerner about childcare arrangements and even cited another employee's termination over similar issues.
Following these events, Koerner filed a charge of discrimination with the EEOC on April 15, 2024. After receiving a Notice of Right to Sue on January 29, 2025, she proceeded with filing this lawsuit within the required timeframe. The complaint highlights violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and seeks various forms of relief including back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages.
Represented by attorney Aaron Maduff from Barrett & Farahany law firm in Chicago, Lisa Koerner is demanding justice through this legal battle against IEC. The case is presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:25-cv-01100.