Muslim Officer Suing California Department Alleging Racism and Harassment

An officer with the San Jose (CA) Police Department is suing the agency for alleged harassment, discrimination and retaliation based upon his race, national origin and religion, according to the Mercury News .

Nabil Haidar—who is of Lebanese descent—claims in the suit that he was subjected to discriminatory behavior that increased in severity over the years, but he didn't complain out of fear of retaliation.

He claims that since joining the department in 1997, he has been given nicknames such as "Taliban," "Beirut Bomber," and "ISIS."

Haidar moved to the United States in 1988 to escape the civil war that claimed the lives of three family members.