DuSable Museum Seeks Dismissal of Whistleblower Lawsuit Over Alleged Fund Misuse
Chicago’s DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is asking a court to dismiss a whistleblower and retaliatory discharge lawsuit that has raised questions about internal governance, grant spending, and compliance at the institution.
Perri Irmer, the museum’s president and CEO, filed a 15-page response seeking to end the case brought by Kim Dulaney, the museum’s former vice president of education and programs. Dulaney sued in December in Cook County Circuit Court, saying she was fired after repeatedly voicing concerns about the museum’s operations to human resources, leadership, the board of directors, and multiple government agencies.
Her complaint alleges misuse of restricted funds, improper financial practices, workplace misconduct, and the sale of alcohol on museum premises without a liquor license. One of the central claims involves a $5,000 grant from the University of Chicago. Dulaney says only $600 to $700 of that money was used for Juneteenth children’s programming, while the rest could not be accounted for. According to the lawsuit, Irmer did not explain the discrepancy when Dulaney raised it.
Irmer’s attorneys argue that the complaint fails under the Illinois Whistleblower Act because Dulaney did not refuse to participate in the alleged unlawful conduct. They also say the filing lacks the factual detail needed to support some of its claims, including references to unspecified federal laws and possible violations of the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act.
The museum itself filed a separate 24-page response earlier this year, denying the allegations and, in some instances, saying it lacked enough information to admit or deny them. Attorney Patricia Holmes conducted an internal investigation in February, but neither filing addressed its findings.
Dulaney is seeking reinstatement, back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, civil penalties, attorney fees, and injunctive relief that would bar further alleged violations. The case now places a prominent Chicago cultural institution under a sharper legal and public spotlight, with the court filings offering competing accounts of how the museum handled internal complaints and restricted funds.
