An officer claims he was fired for Muslim faith, files federal lawsuit

Ex-Norton officer claims he was fired for Muslim faith, files federal lawsuit

 

A former Norton police officer says he was fired over his Muslim faith.

 

Nicholas Matheny has filed a federal lawsuit against several city officials in Norton.

 

Subdodh Chandra represents Matheny.

 

"It is unfortunate in 2012 that some people, and, worst of all, some public officials that simply don't embrace what it means to be an American," said Chandra from his downtown Cleveland law office.


Chandra said other officers found out about Matheny's faith when he passed out his wedding invitation to two co-workers.


"It said on the top of wedding invite 'May Allah bless this marriage', as is customary. Unfortunately, that set in motion a terrible chain of events," Chandra said.


Matheny claims he was subjected to anti-Muslim statements and when he complained, he was retaliated against.


Chandra said the Norton Police Department filled Matheny's personnel file with false and backdated write-ups.


He was fired in November 2010.


"After officer Matheny was fired, Chief Hete was telling people, 'Officer Matheny would file his towel head terrorist lawsuit any day now,'" said Chandra.


Matheny has filed a federal civil-rights complaint charging federal and state discrimination, retaliation, conspiracy and hostile work environment.


Norton law director Pete Kostoff told ONN's Cristin Severance, " I haven't received a copy of the complaint. Until we've received it our position will be no comment."

 

The city officials named in the lawsuit have 30 to 60 days to answer the complaint.


Here is the full press release given to the media by Subodh Chandra.


"Former Norton Police Officer sues City, Police Chief, Sergeant, and City Administration for discrimination and retaliation over wrongful termination


"Police officer terminated after coworkers learn of his adoption of the Muslim faith


"NORTON, OHIO - Nicholas A. Matheny today filed a federal civil--- rights complaint charging federal and state discrimination, retaliation, conspiracy, and hostile--- work--- environment claims against the City of Norton, Police Chief Thaddeus Hete, Police Sergeant John Dalessandro, and City Administrator Richard Ryland.


"Officer Mathey's suit, captioned Matheny v. City of Norton, et al., seeks declaratory and injunctive relief and damages. It was filed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.

 

"Federal and state anti--- discrimination laws forbid making employment decisions based on religion, or in retaliation for an employee's opposition to discrimination or harassment. The complaint's allegations are summarized below.