A former employee has taken legal action against a major corporation, alleging sexual harassment and retaliatory termination. On March 1, 2025, Amtul K. Humaira filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Walgreen Co., claiming violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Amtul K. Humaira, who was employed as a Pharmacy Technician by Walgreen Co., asserts that she was subjected to unwanted physical contact and inappropriate eye contact by her coworker, Hamza Altaf, beginning on March 7, 2024. Despite reaching out to her supervisor, Elizabeth Pasquini, for a meeting to address these issues on August 2, 2024, her concerns were initially ignored. When Pasquini finally responded on August 4, she reportedly dismissed Humaira's claims and failed to take immediate action. The situation escalated when Humaira was abruptly terminated on September 29, 2024, allegedly for being "rude" at work—a reason she contends is inconsistent with Walgreens' disciplinary policies.
Humaira's lawsuit accuses Walgreen Co. of not only failing to address the harassment but also retaliating against her for reporting it. Her filing states that the company's actions have resulted in significant emotional distress and economic losses due to lost wages. She argues that this conduct demonstrates a reckless disregard for her rights under Title VII.
In seeking justice from the court, Humaira requests several forms of relief: equitable or injunctive relief; compensation for actual damages; reinstatement or front pay; compensatory damages including lost wages and emotional distress compensation; punitive damages; and coverage of attorney’s fees and other related costs.
Representing Amtul K. Humaira is Michael T. Smith from the Law Offices of Michael T. Smith & Associates in Lisle, Illinois. The case is being overseen by Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre under Case No. 1:25-cv-02181.