Legal Question in Employment Law in Illinois

I currently work as a part time teacher's aide. I have held this position for the past 6 years. I was told on Thursday that I will not be getting my position back for next year because of budget cuts.. I have the most years of experience (there are 4 aides currently) and I have been there the longest. When I asked why I was being let go, I was told by the principal that there really was no reason and after pressing the issue with her over why me and not someone who hasn't been there as long, she told me it was because I had small children. I am completely mortified by this. I understand that Illinois is an employment at will state but can they really let me go because I have small children (I am the only one). I work for the joliet diocese and called them. They in turn called the principal and priest and I was then called in again and the principal denied ever saying that it was because of my kids, she made up so lame excuse that I didn't call in absent one day when my child was sick and that there was an instance when I didn't say hello to her. I guess what I'm asking is this something that I cannot do anything about or can I?


Asked on 4/20/10, 8:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kenneth Goetz

I would strongly advise you to contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Your complaint may be matter of discrimination based on sex (female). There is no cost to filing an informal complaint but you must do so within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination. Call 312-596-7230 and ask for Thomas Gauza. You may need an attorney after the agency concludes its informal investigation.

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Answered on 5/04/10, 9:47 am


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