In that position you’re far more protected from retaliation than a “regular person” – it’s easier to prove with an established history and courts really don’t like have their judgments undermined. You’ve also shown your employer trying to screw with you is expensive.
Go back and do your job to the letter. They’re either going to be very wary of pissing you off, or they’re going to do something stupid and you’ll get another payout.
I get the impression this directive is more about sending a message.
Edit: I learned something new.
A pardon doesn’t remove a conviction and discriminating against someone convicted of a crime isn’t federally illegal, as that isn’t a protected class. I’m not sure how this works with Illinois law given we have Conviction Record Protection. I do know state law specifically forbids hiring people with specific convictions (particularly violent ones) for certain jobs – e.g. Police, fire, etc. And IDPH will absolutely pull your licenses for something as “minor” as not paying child support.