By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – A former McLean County spokesperson has filed a federal lawsuit against the county alleging racial discrimination.

The lawsuit was filed on Nov. 29 by Dion McNeal, a former communications specialist with the county. It stems from an incident over the summer when McNeal claimed he had his job responsibilities reduced following the delivery a press release on behalf of the county.

McNeal made a public statement on June 19 surrounding the press release and about what he allegedly encountered at the county.

The lawsuit states McNeal was terminated from his position on June 23.

The press release was focused on taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at protests and mass gatherings that were taking place following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In his statement following the press release, McNeal said, “It has been brought to my attention that I am no longer ‘trusted,’ to handle public-facing activities and documentation because, ‘the statement in the ‘Guidance to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 At Protests, Rallies, & Mass Gatherings,’ does not represent the voice of the health department or Board of Health.”

The statement in that specific press release being referred to is:

“Racism and police brutality are forms of trauma that many of our community members experience. Witnessing this trauma repeatedly affects emotional, physical, and mental health, especially for those in communities of color. Check-up on friends, family, and your community, as well as checking in with yourself. Health people, healthy places.”

Following the delivery of the press release, McNeal said he had his job responsibilities reduced. The lawsuit goes as far as to state he “suffered adverse employment actions… placement on administrative leave, placement on a performance improvement plan, and termination of employment.”

On the same day McNeal made his public statement, county officials said they could not comment on personnel matters, but that “McLean County Government has and will examine all employee concerns in accordance with McLean County’s nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures.”

In his public letter, McNeal said he identifies as a Black queer HIV positive man.

According to the lawsuit, another employee at the health department “did not suffer the same adverse employment action McNeal did and, therefore, were treated more favorably.”

McNeal is seeking compensation in the lawsuit, including back pay and damages for emotional distress.

The lawsuit lists the McLean County Board and the county’s health department, as well as several county officials, as defendants.

McLean County Administrator Camille Rodriguez said Tuesday night she does not comment on pending litigation.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].