Plaintiff accuses a local school district of failing to accommodate her disability, resulting in severe health issues and eventual resignation. Christine Roche filed a complaint against Joliet School District 86 on April 16, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The lawsuit alleges violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA).
Christine Roche, a special education teacher employed by Joliet School District 86 from December 12, 2022, to June 2, 2023, claims that her workplace environment was detrimental to her health due to mold exposure. According to the complaint, Roche has severe allergies that limit her daily activities such as breathing when exposed to certain allergens like mold. She began experiencing increased respiratory symptoms in November 2021 and discovered visible mold in her classroom. Blood tests confirmed the presence of indoor molds Cladosporium Herbarium and Penicillium Notatum in her system.
Despite informing Principal Rita Sparks and the Human Resources Department about these findings on December 12, 2022, Roche's requests for accommodation were dismissed or ignored. HR promised its own mold testing but failed to provide timely results or relocate Roche as per her doctor's recommendation. This lack of action led to further health deterioration for Roche, culminating in an emergency room visit on January 8, 2023.
The complaint details multiple attempts by Roche to secure a transfer or alternative accommodation within the school district, all of which were denied or inadequately addressed by Joliet School District 86. Although eventually offered a position at Cunningham School, Roche's health had deteriorated too much by then for her to accept it. She was forced onto unpaid FMLA leave and resigned on June 2, 2023.
Roche's lawsuit asserts that Joliet School District violated both ADA and IHRA by not providing reasonable accommodations for her disability. The plaintiff seeks compensation for lost wages, emotional distress damages, attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Christine Roche is Michael T. Smith from Michael T. Smith & Associates based in Lisle, Illinois. The case is being heard under Case No. 1:25-cv-04182 at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.