A former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging severe discrimination and retaliation based on her pregnancy and disability. On February 24, 2025, Luma Albzour filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Arab American Family Services. The case raises significant issues regarding workplace rights for pregnant and disabled employees.
Luma Albzour claims that Arab American Family Services violated multiple federal statutes, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. She alleges that during her employment as an advocate from August 10, 2021, until her termination on November 27, 2024, she faced discriminatory practices due to her pregnancy and associated medical conditions. According to Albzour's complaint, she was denied reasonable accommodations such as working from home despite other non-pregnant employees being granted similar privileges. "The denial of my request placed my unborn child's life at risk," Albzour stated in her filing.
Albzour further accuses Arab American Family Services of retaliating against her after she engaged in protected activities like requesting accommodations and filing complaints about her treatment. She reports being forced to start maternity leave earlier than planned due to lack of air conditioning in the office during summer months and receiving aggressive responses from HR when questioning these decisions. The plaintiff highlights an incident where an HR representative allegedly yelled at her over the phone for questioning company policies regarding maternity leave.
The lawsuit also involves allegations under the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act (820 ILCS 260/), where Albzour claims she was denied necessary breaks to express breast milk upon returning to work after childbirth. Despite making formal requests for accommodation to pump breast milk privately, Albzour asserts that these were ignored by her employer.
In seeking justice, Luma Albzour is asking for back pay with interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just by the court. She emphasizes that all conditions precedent have been satisfied before bringing this action forward.
Representing Luma Albzour is Peyton M. Paschke from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., located in Lombard, Illinois. The case is presided over by judges within the Northern District of Illinois under Case No. 1:25-cv-01869.