Antavis M. Chism has filed a compelling lawsuit against his former employer, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. On March 10, 2025, Chism submitted his complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, accusing Advanced Technology Services, Inc. of violating his civil rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Chism's legal battle stems from his tenure at Advanced Technology Services (ATS), where he was employed as a Supply Chain Specialist II. According to the complaint, Chism, who is Black, faced racial discrimination and harassment during his employment. He reported these issues to ATS's Human Resources department on December 11, 2023. However, instead of addressing his concerns, ATS allegedly escalated the harassment and ultimately terminated him on March 21, 2024. The plaintiff claims that his White counterparts did not face similar treatment and were provided with a non-discriminatory work environment.
The lawsuit details how Chism believes that ATS's actions were racially motivated and retaliatory in nature. After reporting illegal conduct within the company, he alleges that he was subjected to increased discrimination and harassment leading up to his termination. Chism argues that these actions violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by creating a hostile work environment based on race and retaliating against him for engaging in protected activities such as reporting discrimination.
In seeking justice from the court, Chism requests several forms of relief. He asks for a declaration that ATS violated Title VII and an injunction preventing further violations against other employees. Additionally, he seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination, as well as reinstatement to his previous position or equivalent employment opportunities. Furthermore, Chism demands pre-judgment and post-judgment interest along with reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred during this legal process.
Representing Antavis M. Chism is attorney Antonio L. Jeffrey from Jeffrey Law Office LLC located in Oak Brook, Illinois. The case is identified under Case No. 25-cv-2516 in front of an undisclosed judge at this time.