The legal battle over alleged employment discrimination and retaliation has reached the Northern District of Illinois, where a former employee of the U.S. Department of Labor has filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of Labor. On November 18, 2025, Ronny Parayno initiated legal proceedings against Lori Chavez-Deremer, accusing her department of creating a hostile work environment that led to his constructive discharge.
Ronny Parayno, a resident of Iowa and former Economic Assistant with the Department of Labor in Chicago, claims that he was subjected to discrimination and retaliation due to his disability. According to the complaint, Parayno’s troubles began after an assault during a housing data collection assignment exacerbated his medical condition. Despite notifying supervisors Andrew Beltran and Brian Droste about his disability, Parayno alleges that they failed to provide necessary accommodations and instead subjected him to unwarranted criticism and threats of termination. He recounts multiple instances where requests for reasonable accommodations were denied or ignored, including assistance with filing police reports and accessing health services under the Workplace Violence Program.
Parayno further asserts that he engaged in protected activities by requesting accommodations and opposing discriminatory practices but faced retaliatory actions such as exclusion from meetings and removal from special assignments. The plaintiff accuses Mr. Beltran of fabricating complaints about his conduct and denying requests for high-visibility gear essential for safety during evening assignments. These alleged actions violated several provisions under the Rehabilitation Act, leading Parayno to seek damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and reputational harm.
In addition to monetary compensation, Parayno is seeking equitable relief such as reinstatement or front pay in lieu thereof. He also demands expungement of any retaliatory records from his personnel file and requests a jury trial on all issues presented in the complaint.
Representing himself pro se, Ronny Arceo Parayno Jr., submitted this complaint on November 18, 2025. The case is presided over by Judge Jorge L. Alonso with Magistrate Judge Laura K. McNally assisting in judicial proceedings under Case ID: 1:25-cv-14242.
Source: 125cv14242_Ronny_Arceo_v_Lori_Chavez_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
