A Chicago woman has filed a lawsuit against Target, alleging the retailer unlawfully withdrew a job offer after discovering she had a pending criminal case—raising broader questions about hiring practices and the rights of applicants with unresolved charges.
The plaintiff, Courtney McElrath-Bey, 35, claims the company violated Illinois civil rights law when it rescinded a conditional offer for a warehouse role following a background check.
According to a report by CWB Chicago, the complaint stated that Target initially offered McElrath-Bey a position as an order picker or warehouse associate in October, contingent upon screening results. The background check revealed pending charges, prompting the company to issue what is known as a “pre-adverse action notification,” alerting her that the findings could affect her employment.
McElrath-Bey responded by stressing that the charges were unresolved and that she had not been convicted of any crime. She has pleaded not guilty to robbery and aggravated battery charges filed in March 2024 and maintains her innocence…