In a striking legal move, a former employee has taken her fight against workplace harassment to the courts. Amtul K. Humaira filed a complaint on March 1, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Walgreen Co., alleging sexual harassment and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The case unfolds with Humaira, a resident of Berkley, Illinois, who began working as a Pharmacy Technician for Walgreens on December 21, 2022. According to the complaint, her ordeal began on March 7, 2024, when coworker Hamza Altaf allegedly initiated unwanted physical contact and prolonged eye contact that Humaira perceived as sexual harassment. Despite her attempts to address these issues internally by requesting a meeting with her supervisor Elizabeth Pasquini on August 2, 2024, she was met with silence and later hostility from Pasquini. "Ms. Pasquini's harsh and aggressive demeanor towards Plaintiff was in stark contrast to how she had interacted with Plaintiff previous to her requesting a meeting," the complaint states.
On August 4, Humaira confronted Pasquini about Altaf's behavior only to be met with skepticism and dismissive questions like "Well is he texting you? Is he calling you?" Following this conversation, the store manager Caroline Hyott informed Humaira that human resources had been notified. However, instead of resolution or support, Humaira faced abrupt termination on September 29, 2024, allegedly for being "rude" at work—a claim she contests as unfounded given Walgreens' own disciplinary policies.
Humaira argues that her termination was retaliatory in nature due to her complaints about sexual harassment—an activity protected under Title VII. She asserts that Walgreens’ actions have led to significant economic losses and emotional distress. In seeking justice through the court system, Humaira demands equitable relief including reinstatement or front pay as an alternative; compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress; punitive damages; attorney’s fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Represented by Michael T. Smith from Michael T. Smith & Associates P.C., Humaira seeks not only personal redress but also aims to highlight what she perceives as systemic issues within Walgreens regarding handling harassment claims. The case is being presided over by Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre under Case No. 1:25-cv-02181.