In a gripping legal battle that underscores the persistent issues of workplace harassment and discrimination, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging severe misconduct. On March 12, 2025, Marlenis Irizarry initiated legal proceedings in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Bridgeway Senior Living, LLC. The complaint accuses the company of sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The case centers around Marlenis Irizarry's tenure as a Human Resource Director at Bridgeway Senior Living. Irizarry claims that from December 13, 2024, to January 21, 2025, she was subjected to persistent sexual harassment by Jai Logan, the kitchen manager. According to the complaint, Logan made inappropriate sexual comments daily and even attempted physical advances despite Irizarry's clear refusals. "I just want to feel those lips," Logan allegedly said during one encounter on January 6, 2025. The situation escalated when Logan reportedly grabbed Irizarry's arm forcefully on January 13, leaving a bruise and further demonstrating the severity of his actions.
Irizarry reported these incidents to Bridgeway’s owners and administrator but alleges that her complaints were met with indifference and no corrective action was taken. Elizabeth, an administrator at Bridgeway Senior Living, dismissed Irizarry’s concerns by suggesting that she and Logan had been "friendly" before the incidents. This lack of response from management left Irizarry feeling unsupported and forced her into what she describes as a constructive discharge on January 28, 2025.
Irizarry is seeking multiple forms of relief from the court including back pay with interest, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages for willful disregard of her rights under Title VII, as well as attorney’s fees. Her complaint highlights not only her personal ordeal but also aims to hold Bridgeway Senior Living accountable for failing to provide a safe work environment free from harassment.
Representing Marlenis Irizarry is attorney Peyton M. Paschke from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while the presiding judge over this matter is yet to be assigned. The case is identified under Case ID: 1:25-cv-02570.