Law360 Discusses Firm’s Representation of the Borough of Bergenfield in Successful Dismissal of Discrimination Claim in Federal Court

The Law360 article “White Cop Passed Over For Chief’s Job Sees Bias Suit Tossed” discusses the September 11 opinion from U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper in a matter wherein Christopher Massey, a white police officer, alleged race discrimination when he was passed over for a Borough of Bergenfield chief’s job in favor of a colleague who is Palestinian and Muslim. According to Judge Semper’s opinion, the Borough of Bergenfield had legitimate reasons for selecting Mustafa Rabboh for the chief’s role.

The Borough of Bergenfield was successfully represented by John L. Shahdanian II of Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian P.C., who is the Chair of the Firm’s Labor and Employment Practice and is Co-Chair of the Firm’s Government Representation Practice. Director Asaad K. Siddiqi and Associates Valentina M. Scirica and Zachary Steven Poreman assisted on the matter. Shahdanian is quoted in the article, saying, “The borough, and the other defendants, are very pleased with Judge Semper’s very thorough opinion.”

“Defendants’ statements about Rabboh’s minority status, the American Dream, and the value of diversity do not form an adequate basis to establish background circumstances suggesting defendants engaged in racial discrimination against plaintiff,” the ruling said.

Judge Semper also noted that Bergenfield cited several nondiscriminatory reasons for picking Rabboh, including his experience, track record of community engagement, and a five-year plan he had submitted.

The case is Massey v. Borough of Bergenfield et al., case number 20-01942 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

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