NCLEJ Achieves Settlement in Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2025
Contact: Patrick Fowler, Communications Strategist | fowler@nclej.org

ILLINOIS – The National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) has reached a settlement agreement with Henry’s Sober Living House (HSL), a reentry housing provider in Chicago, on behalf of plaintiff Mark Davenport, who alleged HSL refused to provide him with reasonable accommodations for his disabilities and then sent him back to prison in retaliation for his disability-related advocacy.

“This settlement with Henry’s Sober Living House is a critical first step toward addressing the egregious and unlawful disability discrimination experienced by Mr. Davenport,” said Taylor Foster, Legal Fellow at the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. “We look forward to securing additional relief for our client as our case continues.”

NCLEJ also brought this lawsuit  against co-defendants Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and IDOC Director Latoya Hughes, as well as Saiyd Joyce and Next Step Recovery Homes, LLC. Litigation remains ongoing against the remaining defendants with claims under the Fair Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Read the full amended complaint here.

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice is a nonprofit law firm that advances disability, racial, and economic justice for low-income families, individuals, and communities across the country through ground-breaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. Founded in 1965, NCLEJ fights to protect access to critical benefits like food stamps, Medicaid, and childcare, protect low-wage workers’ rights and safety, advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, and fights unlawful debt collection.

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