Pregnant Black DOT Worker Sues Chicago: Harassment Claims of Racial Slurs and Discrimination by Colleagues

A Black female worker is suing the City of Chicago and a colleague from the transportation department who she alleges subjected her to racial slurs, gender insults, and physical assault during her pregnancy. Danyiell Montgomery filed her lawsuit on May 13, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for Illinois, claiming her once positive work environment turned hostile following her departmental transfer in April. After informing her supervisors about her pregnancy and requesting light duty post-surgery recovery, Montgomery faced harassment from male coworkers. Allegations include derogatory comments and an incident where a colleague brandished a gun while making threatening remarks. Despite reporting these acts, the Chicago Department of Transportation allegedly failed to protect her, culminating in significant emotional distress and a leave of absence. Montgomery seeks jury compensation for her emotional anguish and other damages.