Ann, the plant manager of GRG, Inc., learns that Joe Bob, an employee in the Plant and a co-worker, are involved in a physical altercation.Joe Worker contacts the police about the co-worker's actions.Joe Bob filed a complaint with the police that the co-worker committed an assault and battery against him.This action has completely disrupted the Plant operations and company morale.Ann believes that Joe Bob was the actual cause of the altercation by reviewing videotaped recordings.On her own, and without the direction from the company owner, CEO and president, fires Joe Bob for violating the company's anti-violence policies.

Joe Bob files an action against the company and Ann.Ann is sued in her individual capacity as a defendant under the Illinois Whistleblower Act.Is she individually liable?Do you think individual liability in this context is fair and proper?What result, if any?What defenses, if any, can Ann raise against the claims?