Danielle Montgomery, a long-time employee of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), recently filed a federal lawsuit against her employer, accusing the department of racial and gender discrimination. According to Montgomery, the harassment she endured at the hands of a coworker was not only emotionally distressing but also physically threatening. The alleged harassment began in 2023 and continued despite her efforts to report the incidents and seek protection. Montgomery, a Black woman, claims that the mistreatment intensified when she was pregnant, culminating in a violent threat involving a firearm. Despite her complaints, she says no action was taken by the city, leaving her to work in fear.
The Nature of the Harassment
Montgomery’s harassment at CDOT began with verbal abuse. For weeks, she claims to have been subjected to racial slurs and derogatory comments from a male coworker, even in front of supervisors. These slurs were not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing pattern of verbal abuse. Montgomery sought assistance from her supervisors and filed grievances, requesting a transfer to a different crew. However, her requests were repeatedly denied. She alleges that the lack of action from CDOT was due to the fact that her harasser was a close associate of her supervisors, leaving her feeling both ignored and powerless in a hostile work environment.
The Escalation: A Threat with a Gun
The situation took a darker turn when Montgomery claims her coworker made a violent threat toward her. During one encounter, she says he confronted her with a gun. According to Montgomery, the coworker lifted his shirt to reveal a weapon and stated, “I keep it on me for people like you.” At that moment, Montgomery says she was terrified and began to shake and cry. She had never experienced anything like it before. The incident left her traumatized, but the situation did not improve after it. Despite the threat, the coworker was not removed from the workplace, and Montgomery was still required to work alongside him.
Lack of Response from CDOT
The most troubling aspect of Montgomery’s case, according to her attorney Chiquita Hall Jackson, is the lack of response from CDOT and the City of Chicago. In Montgomery’s view, her experience reflects a larger, systemic issue within the department. Despite the violent threat and consistent verbal harassment, CDOT failed to investigate or take any significant action. Montgomery's attorney has pointed out that in 2025, it is unacceptable for racial slurs to be used so openly in a public workplace without repercussions. Furthermore, the fact that Montgomery had to continue working with the same coworker who allegedly harassed her points to a lack of accountability within CDOT.
Montgomery's Struggles and the Impact on Her Health
Montgomery’s experiences at CDOT took a significant toll on her mental and physical health. She describes walking out of her house in tears every day, suffering from headaches and chest tightness as a result of the stress. Her emotional state worsened as she continued to work under these conditions. At one point, Montgomery was just 11 weeks pregnant, and the emotional strain exacerbated her already difficult situation. The stress was so overwhelming that she eventually went on a leave of absence from work, hoping to find some relief. However, even when she returned to work, she was still expected to work with the same employee who had allegedly harassed her.
Legal Action and the Lawsuit
In May 2023, Montgomery filed a 15-page lawsuit in federal court. The lawsuit accuses the City of Chicago and CDOT of failing to protect her from workplace harassment due to her race, gender, and pregnancy. Montgomery’s lawsuit claims that her employer violated her rights by not addressing the discrimination and harassment she faced. It also highlights the emotional and physical harm caused by the hostile work environment she was forced to endure. Montgomery is seeking justice not only for herself but also for the larger issue of workplace harassment that remains unaddressed in many institutions.
The City's Response
CDOT, while unable to comment directly on the ongoing lawsuit, issued a statement emphasizing that it takes allegations of harassment and discrimination very seriously. However, the lack of immediate action in Montgomery’s case raises serious concerns about the department’s commitment to addressing workplace misconduct. Montgomery, still employed by CDOT, continues to fight for a safer and more respectful work environment. Her case is an example of the challenges faced by many workers who endure harassment without the support or protection of their employers.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
Danielle Montgomery’s lawsuit is not just a personal battle; it is a call for greater accountability within CDOT and other organizations that fail to address discrimination and harassment. It highlights the ongoing struggles that many individuals, particularly women of color, face in the workplace. The lack of meaningful action taken by CDOT against the alleged harasser, despite Montgomery’s repeated complaints, underscores the need for systemic change in how workplace harassment is handled. Montgomery's courage in filing the lawsuit and speaking out about her experiences serves as a reminder that no one should have to endure discrimination and violence at work. The outcome of this case may pave the way for greater scrutiny and reform within CDOT and potentially set a precedent for how such cases should be handled in the future.
