On February 21, 2006 plaintiffs, a group of females, filed suit against their current or former employer, Sutton Ford, Inc., in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. They alleged that Sutton Ford and individual male employees had violated 42 U.S.C. § 1981, Title VII (42 U.S.C. § 2000e), and state law and were liable for assault and battery. Plaintiffs alleged that the defendant created and fostered a hostile work environment. Specifically they alleged that Sutton Ford engaged in gender discrimination against women by tolerating and fostering rampant sexual harassment, allowing supervisors to make promotions and favorable assignments contingent upon sexual favors, retaliating against women who complained, and constructively discharging female employees. One plaintiff also alleged that Sutton Ford had engaged in racial discrimination against Caucasians.

On September 15, 2006 the district court (Judge Elaine E. Bucklo) granted defendants' motions to dismiss the counts related to assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress and two complaints that were time barred but denied defendants' motion to dismiss a retaliation claim. On October 31, 2006 the parties reached a settlement agreement on the remaining counts awarding the plaintiffs unspecified monetary damages. The case was closed on December 14, 2006.

Michael Perry - 08/21/2010


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