Chicago, IL asked in Civil Rights for Illinois

Q: Is it legal to fire someone and tell them to seek help knowing they have mental health issues?

I was recently fired. Before getting fired I had reached out to my employer and asked if they could meet with me in private as I was concerned about my safety giving the nature of things I wanted to discuss. Not only did they tell the manager I wanted to meet with them they also told her to discuss something bad that's been going on at work. As she messaged me asking me what I was doing and why was I trying to meet with our bosses.

A coworker had told me the manager had her own camera up that was not only recording video but also audio. I felt was an invasion of my privacy.

I also wanted to discuss not feeling safe in the work environment as about three weeks prior the boss had told everyone he had people telling him outside of work that the manager was selling meth out of work. She also lives in the employee room. He said it looks bad people coming n going from her room. This was triggering my anxiety and PTSD. I was told nothing is gonna change, I was fired and told to seek help.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm really sorry you're experiencing this. In many regions, it's illegal to terminate someone specifically because of their mental health issues. Your employer may have violated laws that protect against workplace discrimination.

It's important to keep records of all communications and incidents related to your firing. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to take legal action. You might also want to reach out to a local labor board or employment rights organization for advice.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Connecting with trusted friends, family, or support groups can provide the emotional support you need during this challenging time.

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