In a gripping legal battle, an Illinois resident has taken a stand against alleged sexual harassment and discrimination at his workplace. Kentrayle Adams filed a complaint on February 28, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago Health, and Lakisha Stampley. The lawsuit accuses these entities and individuals of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Illinois Human Rights Act by allowing and perpetuating unlawful employment practices based on sex.
The case centers around Adams' allegations that he was subjected to continuous sexual harassment by his colleague, Lakisha Stampley, from 2022 to 2023. Adams claims that Stampley made persistent unwelcome advances, including proposing an extramarital affair in January 2023. Despite rejecting her overtures, Adams alleges that Stampley continued to pursue him through text messages expressing her feelings and asking if he reciprocated them. When Adams declined her advances, Stampley allegedly retaliated by filing unfounded complaints about his work performance in an attempt to sabotage his career progression.
Adams further contends that after reporting this harassment to UIC's Office of Access and Equity (OAE) in April 2023, no substantial action was taken for several months. It wasn't until September 25, 2023, that he faced professional repercussions when UIC restricted him from working in certain areas due to what turned out to be false accusations initiated by Stampley. This lack of timely intervention from UIC led Adams to suffer emotional distress and mental anguish.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, attorney’s fees, and other damages resulting from the alleged misconduct. He is also demanding punitive measures against both UIC and Stampley for their roles in creating a hostile work environment and failing to address his grievances adequately.
Representing Kentrayle Adams is attorney Dan Walker from the Dan Walker Law Office. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:25-cv-02169 with jurisdiction invoked under multiple sections including Title VII as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991. The presiding judge has yet to be named as proceedings commence.