Cook County Clerk Must Defend Disability Bias, Retaliation Suit

A Cook County, Ill. circuit court worker can proceed with claims against her employer for retaliation and discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal court ruled.

Camille Harris, a manager in the criminal department of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois, sufficiently alleged Iris Martinez, the court’s clerk, discriminated and retaliated against her because of her disability, Judge John F. Kness said Wednesday.

While state officials typically can’t be sued by current or former aggrieved employees, Illinois waived its immunity for ADA claims under the Illinois State Lawsuit Immunity Act. Therefore, ...