Andre Johnson has filed a lawsuit against the University of Illinois, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and retaliatory discharge under Illinois law. The complaint was filed on February 27, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Johnson claims that the university failed to accommodate his disability, discriminated against him based on his disability, harassed him, and retaliated against him for engaging in protected activities under the ADA.
According to the complaint, Andre Johnson began working for the University of Illinois on August 12, 2019. Initially employed as a Heavy Driver, he later transitioned to a Telecommunications Operator role within the Parking Enforcement Department. In March 2020, Johnson contracted COVID-19 from his supervisor, leading to severe health complications including respiratory failure and renal failure. He was hospitalized for eight months and eventually required a kidney transplant due to Long COVID symptoms. Despite these challenges, Johnson continued to perform his job effectively upon returning to work in November 2022 with accommodations for his medical restrictions.
The lawsuit alleges that in October 2025, Johnson was informed by university representatives that his position would be terminated due to discretionary accommodations being revoked. Despite requesting reasonable accommodations through proper channels and providing updated medical documentation supporting his need for isolation due to a compromised immune system, Johnson claims that the university failed to engage in an interactive process or offer alternative accommodations. Instead, he was instructed to apply for disability benefits and return to a position he could not perform due to medical restrictions.
Johnson further alleges that after being removed from his role as a Telecommunications Operator in November 2025, two positions became vacant within the same department where he had successfully worked for three years. He contends that these vacancies were not offered as potential accommodations despite their compatibility with his medical needs. The complaint asserts that this conduct demonstrates discriminatory animus and contributes to a hostile work environment.
In addition to ADA violations, Johnson accuses the University of Illinois of retaliatory discharge under Illinois common law and the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act (IWCA). He claims that after filing a workers’ compensation claim related to his COVID-19 illness in 2022, he faced adverse employment actions culminating in termination without legitimate cause.
Johnson seeks various forms of relief from the court including back pay with interest; compensatory and punitive damages; front pay; loss of benefits; attorneys’ fees; costs; pre-judgment interest if applicable; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
The case is represented by attorney Travis Lampert from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no specific judge has been mentioned yet regarding oversight of proceedings related specifically towards Case ID: 1:26-cv-02265
Source: 126cv02265_Andre_Johnson_v_Univerisity_of_Illinois_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
