Ex-Madigan aide Alaina Hampton files federal suit against Democratic Party following prolonged sexual harassment

"Speaker-for-Life" Michael Madigan's problems continue.

From a Joanna Klonsky press release:

CHICAGO (March 22, 2018)--Attorneys for Alaina Hampton announced on Thursday that they have filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. Northern District Court on her behalf against the Democratic Party of Illinois and Friends of Michael J. Madigan, the political action committee of the Democratic Party chairman.

Hampton brings the suit after filing discrimination complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission earlier this year.

The suit, filed by the law firm of Kulwin, Masciopinto & Kulwin, LLP, points to Hampton’s experience being sexually harassed over the course of five months while she was employed by the Democratic Party of Illinois and Friends of Michael J. Madigan. Hampton worked as a political staffer and and campaign manager for the defendants from 2012-2017, managing a number of successful and notable campaigns.

"This case is about protecting victims of sexual harassment from retaliation," said attorney Shelly Kulwin. "If victims who speak out about sexual harassment are not protected from retaliation, they will stop speaking out. Too often, sexual harassment exists in the workplace because the perpetrators are protected and the victims are punished."

As a result of the defendants’ "discriminatory and retaliatory conduct," the complaint seeks damages for Hampton, citing "injury to her career and her reputation, as well as other injuries for which she is entitled to actual, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as equitable relief."

"Not only did the defendants completely fail to respond to my reporting of that sexual harassment, they retaliated against me for it," said Hampton. "I was forced to leave a job that I loved, derailing my career path. My reputation was sullied, and I lost out on key job opportunities as word spread that I was persona non grata with these defendants."

But, Hampton noted, the suit is about more than her own experience.

"It is also about the countless other women who have been subject to this type of harassment," said Hampton. "Not all of those women have been able to come forward as I have--but they are watching closely to see how my case is handled. It is my hope that by filing suit, I can create space for more women to feel that their voices can be heard."

The complaint can be viewed here.