University Sued for Alleged Discrimination and Retaliation

Elmhurst University Sued for Antisemitic Employment Practices

The attorneys at Trent Law Firm, P.C. have filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 24-CV-1470) on behalf of Louis Yoelin, alleging racial and religious discrimination against Elmhurst University and James Hiles, Chair of the Music Department. The case seeks damages under Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

The Case Overview

Louis Yoelin, a practicing member of the Jewish faith, is an accomplished songwriter, producer, and composer whose work has been featured in over 100 television shows, films, and commercials. For eleven years, Yoelin served as an Adjunct Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Elmhurst University. During his tenure, he consistently received exemplary performance reviews from his superiors and earned the respect of his students.

However, in the summer of 2023, Yoelin was abruptly terminated from his position after speaking out against antisemitic hate speech. According to the lawsuit, Elmhurst University and James Hiles engaged in discriminatory actions that targeted Yoelin for his religion and beliefs. The complaint alleges that these actions violated federal civil rights protections under Title VI and Title VII.

The Allegations

The lawsuit claims that Elmhurst University fostered an environment where antisemitic behavior was tolerated and that Yoelin’s termination was a direct result of his efforts to address this issue. Despite his stellar professional record, Yoelin was allegedly subjected to unfair treatment after raising concerns about antisemitic remarks and hate speech within the university’s music department.

The complaint further asserts that Music Department Chair James Hiles played a key role in these discriminatory practices by retaliating against Yoelin for speaking out against religious intolerance. The termination not only ended Yoelin’s career at Elmhurst but also caused significant emotional distress and damage to his reputation as an educator and artist.

Attorney Statement

Speaking on behalf of their client, attorney Marc P. Trent stated:

“The evidence in the case we filed today is clear: Mr. Yoelin was targeted by Elmhurst University for his beliefs and his religion. Mr. Yoelin lost his job because of what he believed in, and such acts should not be tolerated.”

What This Case Means for Victims of Discrimination

This lawsuit underscores the importance of holding institutions accountable for fostering environments where discrimination is allowed to persist. Federal laws like Title VI and Title VII exist to protect individuals from being targeted based on their race or religion in educational or employment settings. Cases like this send a strong message that retaliatory actions against those who stand up against hate speech will not go unchallenged.

How We Can Help

At Marc Trent Law., we have been fighting for victims of discrimination for over fifty years. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that individuals like Louis Yoelin receive justice when their rights are violated due to racial or religious discrimination.

We specialize in cases involving:

• Workplace discrimination under Title VII

• Retaliation claims for speaking out against hate speech or harassment

• Violations of civil rights in educational institutions under Title VI

If you believe you’ve been subjected to discrimination or retaliation based on your race, religion, or beliefs, contact us today for a consultation. Let us help you hold those responsible accountable while protecting your rights under the law.