A registered nurse has filed a lawsuit against a prominent medical center, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation that culminated in her wrongful termination. On March 10, 2025, Caylen Jackson lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Rush University Medical Center. The suit claims violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Caylen Jackson, who identifies as Black, began her employment with Rush University Medical Center on September 6, 2022. Throughout her tenure, she alleges enduring continuous harassment and discriminatory treatment from her superiors, including Manager Rosa Burke and Department Manager Jennifer Lui. In June 2023, Jackson reported these issues to Human Resources and management but faced further retaliation. She sent an email on July 18, 2023, notifying her managers of her intent to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The following day, she received a verbal write-up—a move she claims was retaliatory. Her employment was terminated on July 27, 2023.
Jackson's legal filing asserts that her race was a significant factor in the discrimination she faced at Rush University Medical Center. "Plaintiff's similarly situated White counterparts were not subjected to the same treatment," states the complaint. She accuses the medical center of creating a hostile work environment and failing to provide a non-discriminatory workplace as required by law. The EEOC issued Jackson a Notice of Right to Sue on December 11, 2024, allowing her to proceed with this lawsuit.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court: an injunction preventing further violations of Title VII by Rush University Medical Center; reinstatement to her former position along with back pay and benefits; compensatory damages for emotional distress and other losses; and coverage for attorney’s fees and costs associated with the case.
Representing Caylen Jackson is Attorney Antonio L. Jeffrey from Jeffrey Law Office LLC. The case has been assigned Case No. 25-cv-2486 in front of an unspecified judge in the Northern District of Illinois.