Disparti Law Group Heads to Federal Appeals Court
At Disparti Law Group, we believe every worker deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued on the job. Unfortunately, not every workplace lives up to that basic standard. When employers look the other way in the face of harassment or discrimination, the consequences for employees can be devastating — and that’s where we step in.
Recently, attorney Arvin Hosseini argued a major case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, one of the most influential appellate courts in the country. The case involves serious allegations of racial and sexual harassment within a unit at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The outcome of this case could have a lasting impact not just on our client, but also on how public employers across the region handle hostile work environments in the future.
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
Before diving into the case, it helps to understand what lawyers mean by a hostile work environment. In simple terms, the law says that workers have the right to do their jobs without being harassed because of their race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.
A hostile work environment occurs when discrimination is so severe or so persistent that it changes the conditions of employment. For example, if an employee hears racial slurs on a regular basis, or if sexist comments make it impossible to feel respected or safe at work, that employee is not experiencing just “bad behavior” — they may be facing a civil rights violation.
Employers are legally required to step in and stop harassment once they know it’s happening. If they don’t, they can be held responsible in court.
The Case Against the Sheriff’s Office
Our client, a dedicated employee within the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, came forward with disturbing allegations about conditions inside their unit. According to the complaint, the unit was rife with offensive language, including repeated use of the most derogatory of all terms.
Even more troubling, the Sheriff’s Office was put on notice about this toxic environment but failed to take meaningful action for many months. When the office finally did act, the hostile atmosphere allegedly continued.
For any employee, showing up to work in an environment like this can be emotionally draining and deeply harmful. No one should be forced to choose between their paycheck and their dignity.
Taking the Fight to the Federal Appeals Court
This case has now reached the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which reviews cases from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. An appeal is not about re-trying the case from scratch — it’s about deciding whether the law was applied correctly.
On behalf of our client, attorney Arvin Hosseini argued that the Sheriff’s Office failed in its duty to protect employees from a racially and sexually discriminatory environment. They presented evidence that the harassment was not isolated or accidental, but part of a years-long pattern that management ignored.
The judges of the Seventh Circuit have now taken the case under advisement, which means they are carefully reviewing the arguments and evidence. A written decision will likely come in the months ahead.
Standing Up for What’s Right
Legal arguments and court decisions are important, but at the heart of this case are the clients who simply wanted to do their job without facing slurs and harassment. Imagine walking into work every day knowing you’ll hear degrading language, or knowing that your supervisors won’t protect you.
That kind of environment doesn’t just make it hard to focus — it takes a toll on mental health, self-esteem, and even physical well-being. Many workers in hostile environments feel trapped: they need the paycheck, but the job comes at the cost of their dignity. That’s exactly why laws against discrimination exist, and why attorneys like ours fight to enforce them.
This case is just one example of how Disparti Law Group stands up for workers’ rights. Our firm has a long history of fighting for people who have been treated unfairly by employers, whether through discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
We believe that taking on powerful institutions — from large corporations to government offices — is necessary to level the playing field. Every case we handle is more than just a legal battle; it’s an opportunity to bring about positive change for our clients and for workplaces across the region.
Looking Ahead
The Seventh Circuit’s decision in this case will be closely watched. No matter the outcome, Disparti Law Group remains committed to fighting for justice and equality in the workplace.
If you believe you are facing harassment or discrimination at work, know that you don’t have to endure it in silence. Speaking up is never easy, but with the right legal team on your side, you can protect your rights and demand accountability.
Discrimination has no place in any workplace — whether in a small business or in a major public office. When those in power fail to act, it takes courage from individuals and strong advocacy from attorneys to bring the truth to light.
At Disparti Law Group, we are proud of our attorneys Arvin Hosseini and Cass T. Casper for standing up in federal court to demand justice on behalf of our client. We look forward to the Seventh Circuit’s decision in the months ahead, and we will continue to fight every day to make workplaces safer, fairer, and more inclusive.
