Travis L. Allison, a former seasonal cashier at a prominent sportswear retailer, has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer alleging discriminatory practices and retaliation in the workplace. The complaint was filed on November 26, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Nike Inc., asserting violations of both federal and state laws.
The case centers around Allison’s employment during the holiday and marathon season at Nike’s Chicago retail location. Initially hired to work approximately 32 hours per week, Allison claims his hours were unjustifiably reduced to as few as five per week. He attributes this reduction to discriminatory motives linked to his race and disability status. The complaint details that after suffering an ankle fracture and facing scheduling conflicts due to parental responsibilities, Allison communicated these issues to management and requested reasonable accommodations, which he alleges were ignored.
Allison accuses Nike of engaging in adverse employment actions following his requests for accommodation and raising concerns about unfair treatment. He describes being pressured by a department manager to resign during an off-the-clock phone call, being relegated to less desirable roles while injured, and being excluded from promotional opportunities despite his qualifications. “These actions were motivated by discriminatory animus,” states the complaint, highlighting what Allison believes is a pattern of retaliation for engaging in protected activities such as requesting accommodations.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court, including compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress, punitive damages intended to deter future misconduct by Nike Inc., reinstatement or front pay if reinstatement is not feasible, injunctive relief mandating policy changes within the company, and coverage of attorney’s fees.
Representing himself pro se in this legal battle is Travis L. Allison. The case is presided over by Judge Edmond E. Chang with Magistrate Judge Albert Berry III assisting. This legal confrontation between an individual employee and one of the world’s largest athletic apparel companies could set significant precedents regarding employer obligations under civil rights statutes.
Source: 125cv14510_Travis_Allison_v_Nike_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
