Filed Date: Feb. 21, 2006
Closed Date: Dec. 14, 2006
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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.
Summary Authors
Michael Perry (8/21/2010)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5422657/parties/griffin-v-sutton-ford-inc/
Ashman, Martin C. (Illinois)
Bucklo, Elaine E. (Illinois)
Asonye, Uche O. (Illinois)
Carpenter, Kimberly Ann (Illinois)
Cheskes, Jill A. (Illinois)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5422657/griffin-v-sutton-ford-inc/
Last updated April 19, 2025, 12:32 p.m.
State / Territory: Illinois
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Private Employment Class Actions
Key Dates
Filing Date: Feb. 21, 2006
Closing Date: Dec. 14, 2006
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Female employees of the defendant.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Sutton Ford, Inc. (Matteson, Cook), Private Entity/Person
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Mixed
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Amount Defendant Pays: Unknown
Issues
General/Misc.:
Discrimination Area:
Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc.)
Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff
Harassment / Hostile Work Environment
Discrimination Basis:
Affected Race(s):
Affected Sex/Gender(s):