Sergeant Mohamad Bazzy has filed a lawsuit against the Dearborn Heights Police Department (DHPD) and city officials, including Mayor Bill Bazzi, alleging a pattern of racial and religious discrimination, as well as retaliation, throughout his tenure. The lawsuit claims violations of civil rights and whistleblower protection laws.
The complaint states that since his hiring in 2014, Bazzy, an American Muslim of Lebanese origin, has been subjected to derogatory comments, unwarranted investigations, and isolation due to his ethnicity and religion. It cites violations under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Whistleblower Protection Act, and the First Amendment.
The lawsuit also accuses Mayor Bill Bazzi of perpetuating a culture of discrimination and retaliation within the DHPD. It alleges that Bazzi initially appeared supportive, promising change, but later used Bazzy’s complaint to justify the firing of Chief Mark Meyers for personal and political reasons, without addressing the underlying issues of discrimination.
According to the lawsuit, after Meyers’ dismissal, Bazzi’s support waned, and he allegedly allowed or instructed further harassment against Bazzy, including threats and unwarranted investigations. The lawsuit also suggests that Bazzi’s leadership has exacerbated divisions within the department along racial and ethnic lines, with a reluctance to promote Arab or Muslim officers to avoid alienating white voters.
Bazzy seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and a court order to prevent further investigations or employment actions against him by the City of Dearborn Heights, its police department, and officials. The lawsuit highlights a systemic issue of discrimination and whistleblower retaliation within the department.
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