A firefighter has filed a lawsuit against a county board, alleging severe workplace discrimination and harassment. Saeed Azam, the plaintiff, filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on January 14, 2025, against the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County.
Saeed Azam claims that during his employment as a firefighter starting January 2, 2023, he faced discrimination based on race, color, national origin, and religion. He alleges that his supervisors at the fire department subjected him to unfair treatment and created a hostile work environment. Azam describes being belittled and harassed by Captain Mark Davis and Lieutenant James Hahn during training exercises. He states that these actions were discriminatory because of his Asian race, Bangladeshi national origin, and Muslim faith. Azam further recounts instances where he was singled out for criticism despite performing tasks adequately compared to his colleagues who were predominantly White or Hispanic and non-Muslim.
The complaint highlights specific incidents such as being accused of falsifying records after recording vitals out of habit following a canceled task—an accusation not leveled at other trainees for similar mistakes. Azam's termination on February 13, 2023, allegedly due to failing a search and rescue task despite positive feedback from his partner, is cited as another example of discriminatory treatment. The lawsuit accuses the Board of violating the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 by allowing such discriminatory practices.
Azam seeks various forms of relief from the court including declaratory judgment confirming violations by the defendant under FCRA; compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress; punitive damages; reinstatement or front pay; and coverage for litigation costs including attorney fees. The plaintiff argues that any reasons provided by the defendant for adverse employment actions are mere pretexts for unlawful discrimination.
Representing Saeed Azam is attorney Jason S. Remer from Remer & Georges-Pierre & Hoogerwoerd PLLC. The Case ID is: 502025CA000336XXXAMB.